New York State Police will increase patrols and conduct daily check-ins at schools from now until the end of the school year, Governor Kathy Hochul announced this morning.
Following the horrific shooting at a Texas elementary school, Gov. Hochul said she asked State Police to check in on school districts every day through the end of the school year.
This morning, we convened an emergency meeting with @nyspolice to ensure we’re doing everything possible to protect our schools.
State Police will increase patrols and conduct daily check-ins at schools from today through the end of the school year.
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) May 25, 2022
Related: Ithaca PD announces increased police presence at city schools
Local police ramp up safety measures
Earlier today, the Ithaca Police Department, Livingston County Sheriff’s Office and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office each announced their own measures to help ensure safety in local schools.
“We have no knowledge of any specific threats in our community, yet neither did the kids and teachers in Texas, nor did black residents at the Buffalo Tops Market. Our intent is to help the students and faculty have an increased sense of safety and security,” said Acting Chief John Joly in a statement.
“Please know that there is currently no known threat in our schools but out of an abundance of caution you will see more Deputy Sheriffs around your schools over the next several weeks,” said Sheriff Thomas Dougherty in a statement, according to News10NBC.
Related: At least 19 children, two adults killed in shooting at a Texas elementary school
Flags are ‘still at half-mast from Buffalo,’ says Hochul
“I’m asking myself as Governor, ‘Am I supposed to just leave all the flags at half-mast?’ They’re still at half-mast from Buffalo,” said Hochul on Wednesday.
Hochul said the state convened an emergency meeting Wednesday morning where she asked if “everything possible” is being done to protect children in New York’s schools.
“I want state police patrols visiting our schools, doing daily check-ins, every single day from today until the end of the school year,” said Hochul at the ITF meeting on Wednesday. “Because I want parents who have enough to worry about in their daily lives, the cost of gas at the pump, the cost of the groceries. Maybe putting aside a little money for college tuition. They have enough to worry about. Let them know that the State Police and their local law enforcement are going to be there to protect them, both uniformed and plain-clothes officers.”
