By: Las Vegas Now Staff
School violence has parents on edge about the dangers that face their children. Last month, a 15-year-old was shot and killed. Just days later, another teen was shot outside another school.
Tuesday night, Sheriff Doug Gillespie talked to parents about the team effort that's needed to keep guns out of kids hands.
The first Tuesday of every month, Metro police stations open up so officers can hear concerns. Tuesday's meeting was focused on a problem in the schools that has the community worried.
For most who packed the auditorium, their kids are grown. But many are more worried than they've ever been.
“The main reason I'm here tonight is to talk to you about school violence,” said Metro Sheriff Doug Gillespie.
Carol Mcintyre and her neighbor, Diane Ireland, sat in the audience listening. From six students getting ambushed at a bus stop, to the drive-by death of Palo Verde freshman Chris Privett, they say this violence must end once and for all.
“It's horrible. It's just unbelievable. I don't understand,” said Ireland.
Both came to help turn the tide.
“Your concerns are mine, believe you me,” said Gillespie.
Gillespie said in the wake of this violence, Metro has beefed up police presence around Clark County high schools. He also made it clear, police can't arrest our way out of this issue.
“The key, so we don't have events like this, is through the prevention and education aspect,” he said.
The sheriff thinks Metro's new school violence awareness program encourages parents to get involved. The two-hour course points out warning signs of possible troubled students.
“It starts at home. If the parents don't know what their kids are doing or what they're up to, that's when the kids get into trouble,” said Mcintyre.
This school year has seen more than enough trouble. They hope kids will learn that guns and school don't mix.
Metro's new course was just developed. It ranges from school violence myths, to advice on how parents can better talk with their children. If you'd like to schedule it for your neighborhood or community organization, contact your local police substation.
Email your comments to Reporter Aaron Drawhorn
