LAFAYETTE, La. ( KLFY ) — With the start of the academic year approaching, security is at the top of the agenda for the Lafayette Parish School System, leading them to having school resource officer training for parish schools. Lafayette Superintendent Francis Touchet Jr. said safety is the number one priority his department.

“Safety will be the number one core value that we will keep at the forefront of everything that is going on, because I always want to make sure that those kids get back to their families as they have come to us,” he said.

Training began once school ended in preparation for the next one. A huge focus on safety and hearing ideas from other officers is a huge part of the experience as they prepare for the school year.

“Ways of making it better, making it stronger. And as a unit, we get to know one another, learning the strengths of their schools. And maybe we can implement that in our schools,” Deputy Kevon Brooks said.

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“It’s a lot of intense training,” Deputy Delanea Smith said. “We go through hours and hours and hours of training. You name it, swat training, active shooter patrol. During the summer, they keep us, you know, on our toes.”

Touchet said at least one officer is going to be present on all 47 campuses in the district. He said they go beyond that to ensure safety for everyone as Touchet said millions of dollars has been set over the past few years to ensure safety. Implementing metal detectors, fencing around the school and a buzzer system are ways the school system is securing the campuses, other than having an officer on campus.

“It is no doubt something of which, when we go to talk to other leaders throughout the state and other leaders throughout the country, that Lafayette Parish is leading the charge as for safety, is concerned,” Touchet said.

Touchet is challenging all law enforcement agencies to be prepared for any type of scenario as the school year begins in August.

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