HOUSTON — A day after a Sterling High School student was stabbed, Houston Independent School District authorities answered questions regarding student safety.
On Thursday, HISD Police Chief Shamara D. Garner addressed the stabbing as well as a series of recent threats and hoaxes.
District police said the student accused in the stabbing will be treated as an adult since he's 17. They said it's up to the district attorney to determine what charges he will face.
Sterling students saw additional support and security on campus Thursday. Metal detectors were used as students entered the building and officers were on standby in case anything was found. Police said the additional measures were taken to ensure safety and bring comfort to students and parents.
As far as the bigger picture goes, Garner said district police rely heavily on visitor management -- knowing who is on each campus at all times. They also use systems that allow students and others to report potential danger. During emergencies, they activate a series of school lockdowns and secure modes.
"Threats could be because kids think they're funny. Some could be a hoax ... some very well could be a cry for help. What's important for students to know is that when a threat is made and it involves fear, that's a crime," Garner said.
Each school can use metal detector wands after violent incidents. HISD officials didn't say how long they would be used at Sterling after the stabbing.
District officials said the decision to hold class as usual a day after the stabbing was made by district administration.