CLAY COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has approved the Clay County School District's proposal for its own police department.
Getting the FDLE's approval was the last hurdle for the school district to secure its own police force.
The proposition for the police department was the result of a mandate that passed after the deadly shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. The mandate called for increased security in Florida schools
The school district is currently working on job postings for new officers to the Clay County schools website. About 43 officers are expected to be hired to the police staff.
The new police force is expected to begin in the 2019-2020 school year.