WFISD Working To Keep Kids Safe - KAUZ-TV: Newschannel 6 Now | Wichita Falls, TX

A gunman in Connecticut killed 26 people including 20 children on Friday, leaving many in Texoma wondering if the same thing could happen here. Newschannel 6 reached out the Wichita Falls Independent School District and the Wichita Falls Police Department to find out what they're doing to keep children safe in school.

WFISD Public Information Officer Renae Murphy said there are already protocols in place across the district including locks on every classroom door, new exterior doors and at least one police officer stationed at each junior high and high school. Each school also practices Shelter In Place Live Safety Drills at least twice a year that teach students and faculty what to do when an active shooter is present.

Murphy said, "We are doing everything that we can from having our staff alert and vigilant to reviewing our facilities and reviewing our procedures and actually having those drills so that staff and students know what to do in a circumstance that needs to have a shelter in place situation."

Sergeant John Spragins with the WFPD said the department works closely with the district on training and security. He stressed city's police are ready if a school is ever in danger. He said, "Our specialized units train along with patrol officers on - if we had something at a school - how we would respond and what tactics we would take."

Murphy said the district is also committed to evaluating the security at each campus, and made it a part of their strategic plan for 2012-2017. She also said any parents with specific issues, need only reach out for more information. "As parents if there are any concerns regarding their own school then I would certainly encourage them to talk to their principal or even come and talk to our Chief of Police Bill Horton who would be happy to talk to them about things specifically at their campus."

Jack Lamson, Newschannel 6