By Hannah Curran, Editor
TRUSSVILLE — The Trussville City School (TCS) Board of Education (BOE) announced at their board meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 4, that the Trussville Police Department (TPD), not just SROs, would have full access to all the schools in TCS.
Trussville Police Chief Eric Rush explained that TPD has had access in the past, but “for some reason, it was taken away.”
“I think that it’s going to definitely create a safer environment with us, the whole department, having access to the schools, all the schools,” Rush said. “The SROs just had access to their schools, but this would mean full access.”
Board Vice President Kim DeShazo explained that it’s a very important step for law enforcement to have access to the schools.
“If there were an emergency at one of the schools, the SROs and any member of the police department can come in,” DeShazo said. “It’s one of those needs that we didn’t know existed.”
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Rush said that the department is gathering information to activate all the key cards for the officers, and they should be able to enter the schools soon. Rush said he will be issuing a directive on the proper use of the key cards to his officers.
DeShazo also explained that independent organizations have contacted her and offered their services to help with Threat Assessment protocols, present policies and procedures, and training. She forwarded all the information to Rush, who she believes is better equipped to determine the best course of action.
Rush explained that he actively working through the process of vetting everything out and should have a more precise plan to present to the board at the Oct. 17 meeting.