Police force beefs up its presence in schools in wake of Fla. tragedy

Police in Conneaut CONNEAUT — in recent days have stepped up their presence at the city’s four public schools, said Police Chief Michael Colby.

Officers are visiting students and staff in the buildings at intervals during the day, Colby said.

“We’ve always patrolled the school zones, watching for speeders,” he said. “Now we’ve made the decision to step it up a notch.”

Officers will now enter the schools and mingle with students and staff at the start and conclusion of each day and random times in between, Colby said.

The visits began recently and seem to be well received, he said. “We interact with the kids,” Colby said. “(Officers) have gotten hugs and they give high-fives.”

While the new policy comes on the heels of the Feb. 14 shooting at a Parkland, Florida, high school that left 17 dead, it was not begun in response to any particular threat, Colby said.

“The parents are happy and the teachers feel better,” he said.

Lori Riley, Conneaut Area City Schools superintendent, said last week city police have always been attentive to the schools.

“We appreciate the presence of (officers) at the schools,” she said. “They are there every day.”

Also last week Riley said the district is pursuing grant money that would help hire a resource officer.