Hickman to see increase in law enforcement

Posted to Police Beat by Scott Kanowsky at 4:51 p.m., Aug. 27, 2008

Lynn Barnett, Columbia Public Schools assistant superintendant for student support services responded to calls from The Maneater today regarding the incident that occurred at Hickman High School Aug. 22.

Nearly 300 people attending festivities at the school scattered across the campus parking lot after three students—one wielding a gun—began fighting, according to a press release written by a Columbia Police Department official.

School administration and law enforcement officials will handle consequences, Barnett said.

“This is not the first time there has been an altercation in the area,” she said. “Kids hang out in the area. But there seems to be more frequent [activity] the last couple of years. 

Barnett feels such dangerous activities are becoming a growing problem.

 “Sometimes it does spill over into schools,” Barnett said.

To answer this threat, Hickman will be seeing an increase in both law enforcement and school administration presence. Friday night’s football, will have a larger security contingent on hand and additional administrators from the local junior high school will be invited as well, Barnett said.

Columbia Police officials were not available for further comment on either the future of the three students or further details of the altercation.