Security increased at Queen Anne's County Schools

Students and parents in Queen Anne's County may notice security changes to start the new year.

The sheriff's office is encouraging deputies to walk through buildings during routine patrols.

"They were very willing to step up the patrol and keep a presence at the schools," said Queen Anne's County Schools superintendent Dr. Carol Williams.

High schools in the district already use resource officers. In response to the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, deputies will check on middle, elementary schools and even private high schools. Officials say the increase in security is not in response to a specific threat.

"It's really for the comfort of the parents knowing someone is looking over the schools, and they are available if there is a need," says parent Shelly Illemszky.

Deputies are using marked and unmarked cars for patrolling the schools.