LAPD Releases Statement on School Safety NR12575NE

Los Angeles: The entire Los Angeles Police Department is greatly saddened by the tragic school shooting that occurred earlier today in Connecticut.  At this time there does not appear to be any connection with Los Angeles, and it appears to be an isolated incident in Newtown, Connecticut.

LAPD personnel have been working closely with our partners at the Los Angeles Unified School District Police Department LAUSDPD to ensure that all students in all our schools are safe.

Immediately after the shooting, we contacted the LAUSDPD and began coordinating our school safety efforts.  All LAPD patrol divisions throughout the City of Los Angeles were directed to make contact with their local school principal or administrator to ensure there were no issues or concerns at any of our schools.  In addition, LAPD officers were directed to provide additional patrols to all of our schools for the remainder of the day.  Those patrols will continue when our students return from the holiday break on January 7, 2013.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families in Connecticut and all who are affected by this unspeakable act.” said LAPD Chief  Charlie Beck.  “The LAPD is totally committed to work with our LAUSD and private school partners to ensure that our students and staff are safe.”

LAUSDPD Chief Steve Zipperman will join LAPD Commander Andrew Smith at a joint press conference at LAPD Headquarters this afternoon at 2 p.m.