Police patrols increased as MA returns to school

BOSTON (WHDH) -- The Boston Police Commissioner said that even though there was no connection between the shooting and the Boston area, uniformed police patrols will be increasing in and around schools over the next several days.

"...We will also be looking to review, test and improve our existing school security protocols,” said Chief Joseph Roark of the Pelham Police Department.

The chief of the Pelham, New Hampshire Police Department also said there will be an increased police presence at schools this week.

"We will also be looking to review, test and improve our existing school security protocols,” said Chief Roark.

These precautions are not limited to New England. School districts in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama asked local law enforcement to add patrols for the first day of school since the shooting in Newtown.

Schools also made plans to have psychologists and counselors on hand, to provide support if needed.

A school security expert said that parents should not keep their children home tomorrow out of fear.

"Parents need to remember that the first thing they should do is to send their children to school. Monday will be the safest day you could ever be in a school in this country because there's going to be a heightened awareness and heightened security measures. So that's critical. We saw waves of children stay home after Columbine, we don't want to see that now,” said Kenneth Trump, President of National School Safety and Security Services.

Many of the districts taking extra precautions stressed that they have safety plans that are regularly tested.