Mayor orders extra security at Fall River schools

FALL RIVER, Mass. (WPRI) -- It could be the start of a new trend.

From now on, the first faces parents in Fall River will see in the morning when they drop their children off at school, will be the face of a police officer.

In the wake of the tragic shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Conn,. security is tighter at all 16 Fall River public schools.

An announcement came Tuesday from the city's mayor saying, police officers are now being posted outside every elementary, middle and high school building.

"The tragedy in Newtown, Conn. shook the world. Parents throughout the globe are concerned about their child's safety," said Mayor Will Flanagan of Fall River.

Based on discussions he had with parents, who either were keeping their children home from school or were worried when dropping them off, the mayor ordered the police chief to hire extra officers.

"You can't place a price tag on our children's safety, the benefits outweigh the cost associated with it," added Mayor Flanagan.

The mayor didn't say how much extra officers would actually cost, but he did say it won't change the number of officers patrolling the city.

"It will be a mix of overtime and details. We reviewed our budget and are confidant we can maintain costs and stay within the budget until further notice."

According to the mayor, school principals are permitted to post and use the police officer any way they see it; whether it is at the front door, gate or in the hallway.