Cranston cops to patrol schools

CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) -- Police officers will be on hand at all of Cranston's elementary schools.

In an email to parents of students at Waterman Elementary, the school's principal explained the new policy saying, "A uniformed officer will visit Waterman daily to familiarize himself/herself with school, students, staff, and administration."

"I'd rather have my child safe and I"m sure all the parents in Newtown who lost their children wish that they were around," Susan Adler told Eyewitness News. "I think it really sends a message to the students that they're safe."

School officials say there won't be a specific officer stationed at each school. Instead, officers on the force will rotate schools so they become familiar will all of the buildings and students.

"To have an officer for safety, I'm not saying a swarm of officers, but an officer walking the campus would be reassuring I think," John Philips said.