LAUREL, Md. (7News) — Laurel police are increasing patrols around Laurel High School following recent incidents of violence on campus and in nearby neighborhoods involving students, officials said.
Earlier this month, two large fights inside the school cafeteria on consecutive school days required a police response, according to local authorities and reporting by 7News. Videos of other fights, some from last year, have also circulated widely on social media.
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Concerns escalated about a week and a half ago when gunfire erupted in two separate locations shortly after school dismissal, leaving one teen injured. Officers responding to the scenes recovered multiple shell casings, authorities said.
Although Prince George’s County police are responsible for security inside the school, Laurel city police have begun increasing their presence outside the campus. Officers are now conducting additional patrols before and after school and in neighborhood areas where students commonly gather.
Laurel Mayor Keith Sydnor said the move is aimed at preventing further incidents as the school year draws to a close.
“My main objective is to keep our city safe,” Sydnor said. “The chief of police and I came up with the idea to provide extra security through the end of the school year. You know how it goes — around this time, kids tend to get into trouble. We want to provide an extra layer of security so students can get home safely and feel secure when they’re out spending time with friends.”
The increased police presence is expected to continue through the end of the school year, officials said.
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Authorities emphasized the goal is both deterrence and reassurance, ensuring students and families feel safe on campus and in the surrounding community.
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