More Police Will Monitor Joliet's Schools To Keep Everyone Safe

JOLIET, IL — One day after 21 people were killed at a Texas school shooting, Joliet police officials took to social media to let everyone know there will be a beefed police presence across the city's schools.

"The Joliet Police Department is very closely monitoring national events regarding tragic and unnecessary school violence," the agency posted on Facebook. "The safety of students and staff at our area schools is paramount. As such, there will be a marked increased police presence at all schools within our jurisdiction for the remainder of the school year."

Authorities said that an 18-year-old resident of Uvalde, Texas, a town of 15,000, recently legally purchased two rifles and 375 rounds of ammunition before shooting his grandmother, driving to Robb Elementary School and fatally shooting 19 children and two teachers in a single classroom.

On Wednesday, Joliet Police's Facebook school safety announcement had 261 shares and 268 comments by 3 p.m.

Here's a sampling of what people posted on the Joliet police page:

• "I wish we had police at all of our schools always. Hopefully that’s the direction our government goes to protect our children, teachers and staff."
• "If we need to have armed guards covering every aspect of our lives there is something radically wrong with our society, as we know there is. Next children will have to have individual security guards when they leave home. And home isn't always any safer. Look at the real problem people!"
• "There needs to be armed police at every school everyday!!!! This is atrocious with this happening almost every day and week. Hire more police. Stop sitting in speed trap areas doing nothing. Go to these schools and patrol the halls ..."
• "Let's get the retired veterans, police, security in the schools to help keep our kids and staff safe. I for one would feel much better knowing someone trained in protection is present during school hours.. Mental health is a huge issue in our country!! Sad but true!!"
• "I’m a little confused? I just called my children’s school and there is no police there. Are you guys inside the school or is there select schools that have the police officer there? We as parents would appreciate it and would love for an officer to be at our children’s school to offer more protection for our children."
• "Not only was there no police presence at our school today. But the school had the front door propped open With someone sitting by it to allow the volunteers for field day to come in. I'm not comfortable with this those doors should be locked at all times and everyone should have to buzz in regardless."
• "Thank you JPD for helping keep our kids safe! Please continue to protect our kids by increasing police presence at schools in order to keep them safe!!"
• "My kindergartener saw the police officer and said maybe they are here to teach kids that want to be a police officer when they grow up. The little ones are so innocent. Thank you."
• "They should be there everyday, every school across the US. Unfortunately it’s short lived."
• "Thank You, it was reassuring to see the officer at St Raymond's this morning."