Hempstead school evaluates security after lockdown

One day after a wanted felon ran into Hempstead's Franklin School without resistance, parents and administrators focused on increasing security. Franklin Elementary School went into lockdown for more

News 12 Staff

Nov 15, 2007, 1:54 AM

Updated 6,227 days ago

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One day after a wanted felon ran into Hempstead's Franklin School without resistance, parents and administrators focused on increasing security.
Franklin Elementary School went into lockdown for more than three hours Tuesday after a man fleeing police on foot entered the building. Many parents wanted to know how an individual could simply walk into the building off the street.
On Wednesday, a News 12 Long Island crew was able to enter the front door of the school and walk about 25 yards before being approached by a security guard.
In response to News 12's entry into the school, Principal John Moore said new safety measures have already been put into effect.
Starting Wednesday, teachers must use a key every time students are chaperoned back and forth, Moore said. However, he said the door wasn't locked on the day of the incident, despite police and fire department recommendations to do so when a state-mandated emergency plan was designed.
"Obviously in hindsight there are things that could have been done about it," Moore said.
Many parents were shaken by Tuesday's incident and criticized the security at the school.
Assemblyman David McDonough (R-Merrick) said even one unlocked door is one too many.
"It is a part of their safety program that a school must be in a secure situation throughout the day, not just during an incident; that the doors be locked and that no outside visitors or parents can enter without permission or an escort," McDonough said.
Related Information:Wantedman sparks Hempstead school lockdown