Hamilton County commission discusses school threats
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- With the explosion in school threats since the beginning of the year, many have raised concerns about the safety of their children
Commissioner Warren Mackey brought up the topic that became a lengthy talk on the state of school safety.
In particular they heard from Hamilton County Sheriff Austin Garrett on what the current situation is, and what further solutions could be made.
Sheriff Garrett declared, “Our schools are as safe as they’ve ever been.”
Sheriff Garrett says that so far this year, 52 students have been arrested, 33 of those for felony violations and 19 for misdemeanors.
He also mentioned that four firearms have so far been recovered from within schools.
Sheriff Garrett also mentioned that Wednesday being a staff only day for Hamilton County Schools gave his office a big opportunity.
“They’re in training today. They’re in legal training for the statues they are enforcing. They’re maximizing their time away from the students so when they return tomorrow, they’re ready to do their job, and keep their kids safe and their teachers safe and the campus safe,” he said.
One point of discussion among county commissioners was whether or not they could do more as a body to help address this issue of school threats.
Ultimately, several commissioners say the problem extends out into society.
“My only solution to it is to just to try to get a few out of it and to save a few of them, and that’s what I came up with when I came to this county commission. Maybe 40 at time, maybe 40 here, 40 there. 40 everywhere. Try to save some of them because I don’t see a time of going back to where we used to be,” said Commissioner Greg Beck.
Others also say they don’t want school faculty to get overwhelmed.
Dr. Steve Highlander added, “I also have also had some people say, the school authority should make the decision on what’s dangerous and what’s not and I disagree. I’ve been in schools for many, many years, and that’s not their responsibility. It’s a legal responsibility.”
The new Hamilton County School Board does have their first meeting tomorrow where they are expected to tackle this issue.
News 12 will be there to let you know what decisions are made.
