The Newtown, Conn. tragedy has school officials across the country trying to figure out how to increase campus safety. Atlanta Public Schools is considering creating its own independent police force.
While it had considered the idea before, APS will now explore starting its own law enforcement agency.
"We want police officers that are dedicated to our schools that can foster relationships with the students and the community," said APS spokesperson Stephen Alford.
Alford says there are Atlanta police officers working part-time in every middle and high school, but district officials believe they can do better.
"We're confident that we can have a more effective safety and security plan if we have our own police force," Alford said.
Tracey Austin formed the grassroots group Champions 4 Children after seeing the Connecticut tragedy unfold. She has a child in an Atlanta public school and thinks it's a good idea for the district to have its own police force because she doesn't want to see educators with guns.
"I'm against teachers and administrators being armed or serving in a capacity of what a trained law enforcement officer would serve in," Austin said.
School officials say another added benefit of having their own police agency is solidifying the district as an organization.
"If we have our own police force, their goals and objectives will align directly with the goals and objectives of our organization," Alford said.
Atlanta Public Schools will hold its fourth and final school safety forum Wednesday night at 6 p.m. at Bolton Academy.
Two Clark Atlanta University students who call themselves brothers despite being from opposite sides of the world have graduated as valedictorian and salutatorian.
Two Clark Atlanta University students who call themselves brothers despite being from opposite sides of the world have graduated as valedictorian and salutatorian.
Gov. Nathan Deal says he believes in the right of atheist groups to donate literature for use in cabins and lodges in Georgia's state parks just as Bibles are allowed.
Gov. Nathan Deal says he believes in the right of atheist groups to donate literature for use in cabins and lodges in Georgia's state parks just as Bibles are allowed.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:44 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:44:17 GMT
A Jasper County teen was reunited with an EMT who helped save her life 13 years ago.
A Jasper County teen was reunited with an EMT who helped save her life 13 years ago. FOX 5 viewers provided information that led Alyssa Haskew to the moment she's waited more than a decade for: to say thank you to Scott Thomas.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:34 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:34:58 GMT
Parents are asking about the safety of the schools in the event of a tornado after the devastation suffered in Moore, Okla.
Parents are asking about the safety of the schools in the event of a tornado after the devastation suffered in Moore, Okla. School and emergency officials insist having kids sheltered in school buildings rather than being picked up is the best solution.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:22 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:22:14 GMT
Tea party groups and Georgia Republican leaders are gathered at the state Capitol on Tuesday to protest the targeting of conservative groups by the Internal Revenue Service.
Tea party groups and Georgia Republican leaders are gathered at the state Capitol on Tuesday to protest the targeting of conservative groups by the Internal Revenue Service.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:17 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:17:01 GMT
The wives of Atlanta police and firefighters have put up billboards telling Mayor Kasim Reed and the Atlanta City Council to give their spouses a pay raise.
The wives of Atlanta police and firefighters have put up billboards telling Mayor Kasim Reed and the Atlanta City Council to give their spouses a pay raise.
1551 Briarcliff Rd., NE Atlanta, GA 30306
Main Number: (404) 875-5555 News Tips: (404) 898-0100
