Deputies Increase Patrols at Lexington County Schools

After a tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. Friday, parents across the country are raising their concerns about school safety. 

The Lexington County Sheriff's Department is stepping up patrols at all public schools in the county, including elementary schools, said spokesman Maj. John Allard. Directed patrols at the schools started Monday.

"Patrols are being done inside and outside buildings," Allard said. "Patrols will be conducted as long as requested by school administrators and citizens."

Lexington County School District One did not specifically request extra deputy presence at its schools, said spokeswoman Mary Beth Hill. But the district is assuring parents that there are safety plans in place at each school to protect students. 

The district sent a letter outlining its safety measures to some parents and community members who asked about safety following the Newtown shooting, Hill said. The letter says Lexington One is "committed to the safety and wellbeing of all our students at all times." 

Every middle and high school in the district has a full-time school resource officer, according to the letter. A resource officer also works at the Lexington Technology Center. 

In the case of an emergency at an elementary school, the nearest school resource officer would be called to the scene, Hill said. The law enforcement agencies that cover Lexington One schools - the Lexington Police, the Lexington County Sheriff's Department and the Pelion Police - are all very responsive, Hill said.

The district's safety measures also include a check-in and check-out system that does a background check on all visitors when they sign in, a limited number of unlocked doors, a telephone in each classroom and security cameras. 

The district reviews its safety plan every year, Hill said.

"It's never a beginning and ending process," Hill said. "We do it all the time."