Criticism from Atlanta Police on school district's police plan

Image 1 of 11

The chairman of the Board of the Atlanta Public Schools said he was shocked to hear city Chief George Turner question an effort to create a separate school police department.

Turner made the comment during a city council meeting. He said he doesn't see the need to duplicate police services, which the chief described as "working".

App users: Click here to watch video

But Courtney English said Turner never expressed reservations about the plan to him nor to the superintendent.

The board chair said the idea of a school police force is the standard for major systems, not just hear but around the country.

He insists security will be enhanced by the move. The theory is Atlanta will have the ability to hire cops who will get special training on how to communicate with youngsters as well as check bad behavior when required.

Turner was traveling on Friday and could not be reached for comment.