Editor’s Note: Banks County Sheriff Carlton Speed released the following information about school security in an open letter to the community. Speed urges parents, students, and community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity as threats and hoaxes continue circulating on social media.
Dear Banks County Citizens:
Safety is our top priority and we take potential risks very seriously. Banks County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Speed have been in direct communication with the Board of Education and Superintendent Hopkins to ensure the safety of our students and faculty.
We have multiple security measures in place to assist in safeguarding our community’s schools. While walk-thru’s, extra patrols, and having HERO Deputies assigned to each school are normal daily operations, you can expect a heavy law enforcement presence at all schools.
We understand an incident of this nature is distressing, but we appreciate our community’s patience, cooperation, and support as we work to resolve any concern, as it arises. We are all dealing with the contagion effect and the escalating social media posts are creating great concern statewide. Moving forward, we will continue to monitor all reported concerns with diligence and will maintain our strong commitment to our safety protocol.
Citizens and students are encouraged to notify their local law enforcement agencies of any suspicious persons, crimes, or other relevant information by calling 911, the Banks County non-emergency dispatch line at (706) 677-1234, or school administrators.
