‘There is no cause for alarm’: Hinesville Police address parental concern on social media

HINESVILLE, Ga. (WTOC) - Sunday, the Hinesville Police Department addressed concerns from parents on social media regarding the increased presence of Hinesville Police officers at elementary schools.

They said that due to a shortage of school resource officers, HPD officers have been volunteering to help by working at local elementary schools on their off days.

The Liberty County Sheriff’s Office and the Board of Education asked for the increased presence for the safety and security of Liberty County schools, said Hinesville Police.

“There is no cause for alarm, this is a proactive, temporary measure to support school safety. On most days, you may see an HPD officer patrolling school grounds and inside school buildings,” wrote Hinesville Police in a social media post.

They said when the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office is able to fully staff their school resource officers division, Hinesville Police will end their presence there and the sheriff’s office will resume responsibility.

“We’d also like to express our sincere appreciation to the HPD officers who have stepped up to support our schools and community during this time, volunteering their time to work on their days off to help keep our children safe,” wrote the Hinesville Police Department.

See full social media statement below: