Sedalia Schools Add Security

Sedalia police have stepped up patrols near its schools in the aftermath of the Connecticut school shooting.The Sedalia School District was already on high alert before Friday’s tragedy due to circulating rumors that a student made a threat against the high school last week.”Some kids talking about end of the world, no plans, no guns,” said Chief Juvenile officer Mike Hughes with the 18th Circuit that includes Pettis County.The lead investigator told ABC 17 News that despite an investigation, no real threat were found. Hughes says the attack was just a rumor, but still, law enforcement received hundreds of phone calls from worried parents.Because of the Connecticut mass shooting and the recent rumors, the superintendent of Sedalia Public Schools says the district is able to add more security faster. “We felt a huge sense of urgency as I’m sure all districts around the state are feeling in an aftermath like that,” said superintendent Dr. Harriet Wolfe.Sedalia schools have locked their doors and added buzzers to their elementary and middle schools this week. The school district has asked local law enforcement to add patrols starting Monday. “We check in with schools very often and inside the schools,” said Cmdr. Matthew Wirt of the Sedalia Police Department. “We’re happy to do it to put parents’ mind at ease.”Sedalia police confirm they will be adding more patrols around the schools this week. The district superintendent says armed officers are already in two school buildings and that the district will look into a more permanent plan after the winter break.