Area school districts have changed or are planning to update polices at athletic school events due to the threats and incidents that have occurred to start the school year.
On Friday, Sept. 16, shots were fired, striking two vehicles, in Richmond County outside of the Laney High School game. Two McDuffie County 17-year-olds were arrested in the incident.
Two victims also suffered gunshot wounds after a football game at T.W. Josey High School on Saturday.
Richmond County Schools are now planning to implement more safety measures and update policies at athletic events.
At the Richmond County School Board meeting Tuesday, Mantrell Wilson, Director of School Safety and Security, said the main goal is to keep the children and individuals safe.
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“We have policies and procedures, and we’re always revising them as things progress,” Wilson said. “Our main goal every day is returning the child home at the manner they left home, so we do whatever is possible and necessary to maintain the safety and security of that facility as well as every individual on the inside of it.”
While there are plans to add more security, Wilson said the measures can’t be announced publicly for safety reasons.
“We have several security measures – anytime you identify an area that needs to be beefed up, then we work on it. However, sharing the security measures we are putting in place is not always the best practice as those things need to remain confidential due to people being able to try circumvent them,” Wilson said.
Columbia County Schools haven’t had any incidents reported at athletic events, but there have been threats inside schools this year. The Columbia County School District plan to continue to improve security efforts and maintain a safe environment at all athletic events.
“The Columbia County School District continues to have strong safety measures in place at athletic events, and continues to evaluate current practices and make improvements where needed to ensure the safety of students, staff and attendees,” read a statement from Columbia County School District.
“Beginning this school year, security efforts have been improved to include the presence of Columbia County School District Police at all athletic events. In addition, School Resource Officers will begin traveling with teams to away games.”
Currently, there are more than five law enforcement officers present during football games, and the Columbia County School District is planning to increase patrol during athletic events.
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“The CCSD is also working closely with local law enforcement regarding increasing patrol of school campuses while athletic events are ongoing. The no loitering rule will continue to be enforced in areas in and surrounding ongoing athletic events, and guests in attendance at athletic events are expected to remain in their seats as much as possible,” read a statement from the Columbia County School District.
Aiken County Public Schools implemented a policy at the beginning of the year requiring all clear bags at athletic events.
According to the Aiken County Public Schools Communication Department, spectators attending athletic events may only carry one clear tote bag not to exceed 12” x 6” x 12” or a Ziplock style bag no larger than one gallon. Spectators also have the option to carry a small clutch purse that does not exceed 4.5” x 6.5” instead.
Seat cushions are permitted as long as they are no larger than 16” and do not include arms or pockets and no diaper bags or camera bags are allowed according to a release from Aiken County Public Schools Communications Department.
According to Aiken County School District Chairman John Bradley, approximately $1 million worth of metal detectors were purchased and are to be placed at every entrance of each school building and for the district office.
Chris Rickerson is a staff reporter covering Columbia County government and general assignment topics for The Augusta Press. Reach him at chris@theaugustapress.com.
