Local schools step up security in light of mass shooting

SOMERVILLE, Mass. (WHDH) -- The mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut will have many schools across the country reevaluating their security.

Many elementary schools already have emergency procedures in place.

The school superintendent in Somerville said they analyze their emergency plan every year to see what they can do to make it stronger. Police said there is a crew trained and ready to act in the case of an event.

They are also focusing on every day security. There is surveillance in schools and staff and teachers are identified by badges.

“In Somerville we have focused on increasing and heightening our security as we build new buildings, going back and renovating into our old buildings so that the buildings- once everyone arrives in the morning, the buildings are secure and anyone who wants to enter has to go through a process that’s highly technical,” said Tony Pierantozzi, superintendent of Somerville Public Schools.

The Boston Police Commissioner said even though Boston is not connected to the Connecticut shooting they will be increasing police patrols around schools in coming days. There will also be teams in place to help teachers support students when they return to school Monday.