LOUISVILLE, Ky. — During the Jefferson County Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, members said that in the 2022-23 school year, 28 guns were found in Louisville schools and 10 guns were found during the 2023-24 school year.
A lot of thoughts came to mind when Jamie Wade heard Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) students were getting caught with guns in school.
"They're getting them in, we need more security," she said.
JCPS has done significant work to improve it's students and staff safety by installing weapon detection and hiring a total of 40 sworn officers.
Wade has three children that go to Hazelwood Elementary.
"There were a couple of times last year where they were on lock down due to violence in the area, police activity, stuff like that," she said.
Like any other parent, Wade is concerned about her children's safety at school. This year, the district has a command staff of 10 officers consisting of a chief, majors, lieutenants and sergeants.
The police department is also divided into four sectors for better response times.
For example, an officer may have Eastern High School and be assigned to two or three elementary schools under Eastern High School in that geographic area.
These new JCPS officers come from diverse backgrounds; most have experience from different police agencies like Louisville Metro Police and nearby areas.
Two detectives are trained to deal with certain areas like physical assault.
"I've got a little bit of hope, I do as long as they're safe that's all that matters," said Wade.
JCPS Police also implemented a district operation center that is on call 24/7.
"You can never say its full proof, obviously things happen, but I do, as a result of this move, we have much greater safety in all of our schools," Superintendent Marty Pollio said.
The officers will be trained for active aggressor situations and trauma care.
"I think JCPS is on the right track, " Wade said.
JCPS Police currently has 15 vacancies and so far 42 applicants have applied to them. The district is looking to select eight to 10 people to fill the positions.