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Armed Police Officers Coming To Some Westchester County Schools

SOMERS, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Some schools in Westchester County will have armed officers when students return to class next week.

As WCBS 880's Sean Adams reported Wednesday morning, the municipalities of Somers and North Salem reached out for help. Police forces work part-time in the two towns, and resources are stretched.

Thus, Westchester County police have begun patrolling the halls and school grounds.

Armed Police Officers Coming To Some Westchester County Schools

"I don't think it's a bad idea," said parent Jerry Rienzi. "You know, presence is always good, makes people think twice."

But parent Kevin Bersazie did not agree.

"I don't think that we need them," he said. "We're paying out of pocket for all of this, I guess, support or fear, scare tactics. Somers is a safe town."

Following the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown on Dec. 14 of last year, National Rifle Association executive vice president Wayne LaPierre called for armed security to be placed in every school.

"I call on Congress today to act immediately to appropriate what ever is necessary to put armed police officers in every single school in this nation and to do it now," he said. "The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun."

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