SEBASTIAN – As we kick of the new school year, Indian River County Sheriff Deryl Loar reminds you to be safe and add extra time to your morning routines to account for the additional traffic on the roadways including school buses and children walking to school.

“We are excited for another great school year here in Indian River County. Our School Resource Team has been training throughout the summer to prepare for their roles in every public school in our community. They will be visible to both students and parents before the first bell and well after school ends. Our partnership with the School District of Indian River County and Charter Schools continue to grow,” Sheriff Loar stated.

To ensure the safety of every school, the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office has established an email and telephone hotline for any tips related to school safety.

“We now prominently feature on the front of our website our school tips hotline (772-978-6000) and email (schooltips@ircsheriff.org) which will be available 24/7 throughout the school year. We want kids to know that they can always call 9-1-1 or speak directly with their school resource officer, but this anonymous hotline allows reporting from their mobile devices. We plan to add the ability to text tips directly to us in the very near future,” Sheriff Loar said.

Those with imminent danger issues or emergencies should call 9-1-1, which is stated on the hotline and as a response to any emails sent as a tip.

The new School Tips hotline (772-978-6000) and email (schooltips@ircsheriff.org) will be regularly monitored for incoming information which will be disseminated directly to school resource deputies and investigators for follow up.

“We know that both parents and students are excited for the new school year to begin. We are focused on the safety of every student in our county. Have a safe and happy kickoff to the new school year,” stated Sheriff Loar.

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