Olivette Cops Plan to Boost School Patrols After Newtown Shooting

Chief Richard F. Knox, chief of the Olivette Police Department, sent this letter to the community today and shared it with Olivette Patch. It comes in the wake of the Dec. 14 shooting that left 26 dead, including 20 students. We run the entire letter below as it was sent to us.

December 17, 2012

Olivette Residents and Community

Re:  School Safety

Dear Fellow Residents

In light of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, I want to take this opportunity to discuss school safety in Olivette.  As we learn more about the tragic incident in Newtown, Connecticut, our thoughts and prayers go to the Sandy Hook Elementary School Community.  This is an emotional issue that rings close to home for all of us as parents, educators, and public safety personnel. We offer our sincerest condolences to the families for their tremendous loss.

The Olivette Police Department has always considered school safety the highest of priorities, and officers patrol the school areas on a regular basis.  However, due to the recent school shooting, Olivette officers will increase patrols at the local schools. 

The goal of increasing the patrols at the schools is to provide more of a police presence.  In addition, the increased police presence can provide a comforting and safe environment for school students and staff.   Community policing encourages all children to feel comfortable and not scared by law enforcement. 

 I also want to remind everyone to contact the police department if they observe any suspicious activity near the schools or any area where children congregate. 

Sincerely,

Chief Richard F. Knox

Olivette Police Department