Sheriff's Deputies To Patrol Bartow Elementary Schools

CARTERSVILLE, GA — The Bartow County Schools Police Department has rolled out two new initiatives to enhance safety at the schools and facilities it is tasked with protecting. A hotline is now up and running so resident call, text or email information reporting suspected illegal activity or threats made against a school, student or staff member, the system said.

Once received, that information will be sent to an officer who will review the details on a regular basis. Callers will not be contacted unless they provide contact information in their message. BCSS also reminds users that any information they submit will remain confidential.

Residents can call in a tip by dialing 770-606-5190. To text or email a tip to Bartow County School Police, send messages to tips@bartow.k12.ga.us (For more news like this, find your local Patch here. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here).

“Whether you’re a student, parent, or community member, we always want you to feel comfortable when reporting possible crimes,” said Bartow County School Police Chief Randall Burch. “It’s the responsibility of a concerned citizen to share information that could prevent a criminal act. If you’re aware of a threatening situation or someone conducting illegal activity on a Bartow County school campus, please contact us immediately.”

The School Police Department's second new program involves a partnership with Bartow County Sheriff's Office, which calls for deputies working at designated elementary schools throughout the week. Patch has reached out to the sheriff's office to get details on their end of the partnership, including how many deputies will be involved in the initiative, and is waiting to hear back from the agency.

Following the Feb. 14 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland Florida, the school system purchased roughly 12 new security lock systems.

RELATED: Rumors Of Violence Prompt Additional Security At Bartow Schools

The system said it hopes these two new initiatives will further improve security measures at its schools.

"We are committed to the families we serve and promise to evaluate and make changes where applicable throughout the school year to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment," the school system said.

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