JACKSONVILLE — Duval County Public Schools joined other school districts in North Florida by increasing security across its schools in response to the mass shooting at an elementary school in Texas.
DCPS Police Chief Greg Burton shared a message on Tuesday, in which he said in part, “Words cannot describe the feelings we have here at the district as we see the tragedy unfolding today at a school in Texas.”
The message came with an important reminder.
“All of our schools are staffed with an armed police or security officer.”
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“In addition, all of our leadership officers will be at schools for the remainder of the week, and we have asked other law enforcement agencies in the area to be especially vigilant around our schools,” Burton said.
Large bags and backpacks are not allowed on campuses. Smaller bags and purses are allowed, but they are subject to a search.
“I think that’s a good thing for extra security because a lot of it will not happen with the students that are there but we have to make sure that individuals don’t come in and don’t drive by like they did at Andrew Jackson,” said Donald Foy, President of MAD DADs Jacksonville Chapter.
Two weeks ago outside the gym there, someone drove up to a student and opened fire, injuring them.
You can still see the Crime Stoppers sign marking the spot where it happened.
JSO confirms there still isn’t an arrest in the case.
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And as investigators look into the circumstances leading up to the tragedy in Texas, Foy says everyone needs to be vigilant and report anything suspicious to help curb the violence.
“We have to speak up, stand up and tell what we know,” Foy said.
“We gotta break the code of silence that guns are not just out here used like that,” he added. “It’s just so sad. So sad.”
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