Police Increase Presence At Beaumont Schools

BEAUMONT, CA — One day after the Texas shooting that claimed the lives of 21 people at an elementary school, the Beaumont Police Department pledged to stand watch at area campuses — and officers were immediately called into action at two sites.

One incident involved a student bringing a pellet gun to a Beaumont Unified School District elementary school. Officers spoke to the student and parents and determined there had been no threat to the campus's children or staff. The pellet gun was confiscated from the student, and any disciplinary action from officials was being left to school administrators, according to the department.

The second incident involved an alleged rumor of a campus shooting scheduled for the last day of school. Police officers investigated and determined the report was unfounded, according to the department.

"When events like Uvalde, Texas, occur on a national level, understandably, we see an increase in concerns at our local school sites," the department said on social media. "Oftentimes these events spur rumors and reports of planned shootings on school campuses, especially via social media. This further adds to the anxiety our community is feeling. We ask our community, parents, and students to directly report their concerns to school officials or law enforcement rather than posting on social media. This will assist officers in being able to quickly determine the source of any threats, as well as more efficiently provide resources to determine the validity of those threats."

The investigations occurred as the department's officers were on campuses Wednesday.

“This morning we directed officers to our school campuses for increased visibility. We do not have any reason to believe there is any cause for concern here in the City of Beaumont, however in light of yesterday’s events we wanted to be on campuses today to reassure our community and parents that student safety is a priority," the department shared early Wednesday.

Officials hope the increased patrol presence helps area families of the city's 13 school campuses feel safer.

Hundreds of residents saw the department's Facebook announcement about increased patrols and many commented on the department's vigilance.

Corrina Sanchez responded over social media.

“I thanked these officers personally as I walked past them this morning. I wish our little town had the man power for it everyday but the act of visibility this morning was comforting,” she wrote.

Other residents such as Katie Carlton called for more. “Thank you Beaumont PD for keeping our children safe. I did not see any officers at the elementary school this morning though. I know us Mamas with littles would appreciate it.” she wrote.

“Is there Beaumont PD at San G middle school? How about Starlight Elementary??" JoJo Jones asked the department. “We need you in Elementary as well!!”

Police responded that school resource officers are assigned to middle schools and are available as needed at the elementary school level.

"Tragedies like this aren't isolated to schools, they occur in grocery stores, restaurants, places of business, movie theatres, churches, etc.," the department said. "Our officers cannot be everywhere all the time, but we can assure you if we are needed we will respond."

Many parents said the morning after a school shooting is a difficult time to send children back to class.

"Thank you!!!! This means the world to me," Janna Sierra wrote of the increased police presence. ... It’s sad that this what we have to face with our children. Breaks my heart for those poor families."

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