New task force examining security at Shelby County Schools

This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell announced Thursday he had formed a 10-member task force to examine security at Shelby County Schools following last week’s shooting at a Florida high school.

The task force, which was formed last Friday, held its first meeting Wednesday.

Members, including Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland, Memphis Police Director Michael Rallings and Shelby County Schools Superintendent Dorsey Hopson, met for about an hour, Luttrell said, and traded ideas.

“We’ll consider every proposal that comes to the table and decide what’s feasible and what’s practical,” said Luttrell.

At Wednesday’s meeting, Luttrell said the task force discussed:

1. Strengthening security at all Shelby County School campuses

2. Providing threat-assessment and readiness training for students, faculty and staff

3. Enhancing collaboration among law enforcement and school security officers

4. Ensuring a coordinated and swift response about threatening social media posts

5. Continuing to provide free active shooter training for citizens and community groups

6. Encouraging citizens to be the eyes and ears of law enforcement and report suspicious activity

Concerned citizens applauded the creation of the task force.

“Anything that we can do to keep children safer, especially in schools, I think, is absolutely a good thing,” said Stephen Larkin.

Asked if the task force had discussed arming teachers, Luttrell replied: “It’s an obvious issue that comes up. It’s whether or not we want to pursue it and how we want to pursue it.”

Krystal Larkin had her own suggestions regarding how the district and law enforcement handle shooting threats.

“We need to take them seriously when they do occur. Everyone needs to be investigated and there are no jokes when it comes to shooting up a school,” she said.

Rallings declined to comment about the task force when approached at a meeting Thursday night.

Below are listed all 10 members of the task force: