updated 4:12:

The Glendale Police Department reminds everyone ‘If You See Something Suspicious, Say Something’.
Due to the recent tragic shooting in Connecticut and the mall shooting in Oregon, the Glendale Police Department has increased patrols in and around all Glendale school sites and shopping malls.
The Glendale Police Department would like to remind everyone if they see something or someone suspicious, report it immediately.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the victims and their families in both the Oregon and Connecticut tragedies. Our thoughts are with those communities during this difficult time.
Suspicious activities may be reported by calling 818-548-4911.
Call 911 should a crime be in progress.
If you have any information about an individual(s) involved in or planning violent acts, you may report them anonymously to Crime Stoppers, 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)

By Mary O’KEEFE

Glendale Unified School District responded to the tragic shooting in a Connecticut elementary school early Friday by bringing in additional support to all the district’s school.

“We immediately sent support to each one of our school sites,” said Mary Boger, school board member.

“We have district administrators at all of our school sites today,” said GUSD Superintendent Dick Sheehan.

In addition to administrative support, Sheehan contacted Glendale Police Department and Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station and requested support from each agency.

“We are extremely grateful to Glendale police and sheriffs for their support,” Boger added.

There were no signs of any disturbances at local schools; the support teams that were sent by the district were to act as support for students and staff as they cope with the tragic school shooting.

GUSD teachers and staff were sent information about the Connecticut shooting along with a reminder to review safety procedures already in place.

“We go over our safety procedures, [school lock down] on a regular basis but anytime we are dealt with a tragedy we [use that] time to review,” Sheehan said.

The Connecticut shooting occurred today about 9:40 a.m. (EST) at the Sandy Hook Elementary School. A gunman opened fire inside two classrooms killing 28 people, 20 of them children, according to police.

It appeared the gunman was killed by his own hand. He was not positively identified as of press time.

Boger and Sheehan spoke of the shock that this type of tragedy brings and how it is important to show support to students, that they are not alone.

GUSD has put information on its website with links to sites that can help guide parents on how to deal with their children concerning tragedies.  Visit www.gusd.net for those links.

“Be honest with your child,” Sheehan suggested.

Below are two press releases, one from Los Angeles County Sheriff’s and the other from L.A. Police Dept. concerning the shooting and how to help children deal with the stories they will be hearing in the media, and through social media.

LASD:

“Our sympathies and prayers go out to everyone associated with the terrible tragedy today at the Sandy Hook Elementary school in the community of Newtown, Connecticut.

Your children will hear about this incident through friends or others and so talking with them about it in a calm way is a good idea. Give them a chance to talk about how they feel, reassure them, and help them (and you) not to feel overwhelmed. Discuss with them about people reporting to school officials if they see someone who does not belong on campus, or hear someone making threats. Here are also some Safety Tips for Kids traveling to and from school: https://local.nixle.com/alert/4873808/.

Schools are one of the safest places kids can be. Yet we know that a tragedy like this causes great concern for any people. As a result, you will notice an increased presence by deputies near schools today and for the next several days. Please feel free to speak with the deputies you see and ask questions or comment about what is on your mind about school safety.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department works closely with all schools, public and private, within our policing jurisdiction to enhance safety for students and staff. Preventing these tragedies is a goal of law enforcement, schools and society as a whole. When an incident at a school does occur, it is our mutual goal to rapidly, safely, and efficiently resolve it.

Each school is required to have a School Safety Plan specific to that campus that addresses most types of incidents. Sheriff’s deputies train for a variety of emergencies in strong partnerships with school staff, who are dedicated to the education and safety of children. There are procedures in place, such as shelter in place, evacuations, and lockdowns that can be implement depending on the given situation. As we often do, deputies are again reaching out and visiting schools to ensure they are familiar with the layout of the school grounds.

Notifications:

New notification systems have been added over the last several years. Many schools have the ability to create a message and call registered phone numbers or to email or text parents and guardians when necessary.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (and many other policing agencies in Los Angeles County and beyond) have also implemented routine and emergency notification systems.

We strongly encourage parents and all residents of Los Angeles County to register for these notification systems so that we can keep you informed as rapidly and directly as possible whenever needed. Below are many of these notification systems that range from calling your home or cell phone during emergencies (Alert LA County), Text and Email (Nixle.com), website, Facebook and Twitter.”

LAPD:

We are deeply saddened by the tragedy that occurred in Newtown, Ct. LAPD North Hollywood Division is increasing the number of Officers in and around our schools. We are also contacting school administrators to ensure an open line of communication between the police department and the schools. We understand how tragic the incident was and are doing everything we can to ensure it does not happen here. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and individuals that have been affected by this unspeakable event.

Anyone with information can call any information into the North Hollywood Area Station at (818) 623-4016. You may also to 1-877-LAPD-24-7. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.”