DPS Tests New Security Procedures On First Day Of Classes
DETROIT (WWJ) - As a new school year gets underway, officials in the Detroit Public School district are putting new security procedures to the test.
Among the procedures, DPS Police will be watching state-of-the-art security cameras from a new multi-million dollar headquarters. Bishop Edgar Vann said he has confidence in the new plan.
"This is a battle that we're in and we understand that, but it's a battle for the life and soul of our community, the spirit of our community and we're not going to be defeated," he said.
District police will be working with Detroit Police, as well as state officials.
"Everybody understands their role, their place and position in this, in helping to make not just our schools safe, but our cities safe. And I think that's a consciousness raising that's taking place that is a very important discussion in our community," Vann said.
The cameras are placed in areas considered to be "hot spots" where school children pass through daily. Safe routes to and from school have also been created for students to follow.
Some Detroit students, like Matiniah Spence, are concerned about their walk to school, especially in the dark. She's asking parents to keep an eye out for students as they walk to school.
"There's a lot of vacant houses and different lots and stuff like that. Even though it's not your child, you should be able to go out and look after kids that are walking to school and from school just to have a look out."
Paige Valentine is also worried.
"I'm little, you know, I could get snatched up or anything, you know, hurt or beat up so I'm very concerned about my safety."
