JSO stepping up patrols at Duval County elementary schools

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is stepping up patrols and security checks at Duval County elementary schools for the remainder of the school year.

Duval County Public Schools spokesperson Laureen Ricks said last week’s school shooting in Santa Fe led them to ask JSO for help.

There are less than two weeks left in the school year, but DCPS doesn’t want to take any risks.

Neither does Windy Hill Elementary PTA President Allisha White.

“I think they should help patrol - makes it safer for the kids,” said White.

On Monday, Action News Jax reported Putnam County added extra armed security guards in schools this week, and will permanently relocate all command center substations to schools.

Duval County middle and high schools are already staffed with armed school resource officers, but armed guards won’t be placed in elementary schools until next school year.

Starting next school year, every elementary school in Duval County will have armed "school safety assistants", whose primary responsibility will be to use whatever force necessary to prevent or stop an attack on campus.

White said she has mixed feelings about the school safety assistants.

“It could be that kids see the cops and want to bring their own guns and stuff. And some parents would feel safer,” said White.

The district got $3.6 million in Safe School funding from the state for the School Safety Assistants.

DCPS will throw in an additional $800,000 from its budget.

“Based on the funding that was provided, this was the best option. I mean the only alternative is to not do anything," said Duval County School Police Department Director Michael Edwards on May 3.

Edwards said it would take $10.8 million to put a law enforcement officer in every school.

If you know of any potential threats to schools or know a student who needs emotional support, you can find resources here.

Cox Media Group