Keller ISD Begins Increased Security Plan

KELLER (CBSDFW.COM) - Increased security measures go into effect on Monday in the Keller Independent School District. The goal is to make police officers a more familiar face around the district's campuses, and help parents, students and staff members feel more at ease.

The new plan finds on-duty officers from the Keller Police Department randomly visiting schools to conduct walk-throughs and spend more time at 1o of the district's 39 campuses. The district hopes to give school staff members and police officers a chance to become familiar with each other and develop relationships. It will also give officers an opportunity to become familiar with campus layouts. "In addition to acting as a deterrent, this program will allow our officers to be more effective in the event of a true emergency," said Chief Mark Hafner.

The officers will park at the schools and patrol both inside and outside, but will not interrupt classes in session unless requested.

This police patrol program will serve the following Keller ISD campuses:

• Hidden Lakes Elementary School
• Keller-Harvel Elementary School
• Ridgeview Elementary School
• Shady Grove Elementary School
• Willis Lane Elementary School
• Bear Creek Intermediate School
• South Keller Intermediate School
• Indian Springs Middle School
• Keller Middle School
• Keller Learning Center

The Keller ISD already posts school alerts and news updates on its Facebook and Twitter pages, reaching thousands of followers. This latest effort to increase security measures is a response to last year's tragic shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut. "We have a comprehensive emergency operations plan in place that addresses the utmost critical measures to ensure Keller ISD is prepared," said Dr. Randy Reid, the district's superintendent.

The Keller ISD includes approximately 33,000 students.

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