Round Rock Police Chief Allen Banks, Williamson County Sheriff Robert Chody and Round Rock ISD Superintendent Steve Flores released a joint letter in favor of creating a Round Rock ISD police department.

"Both the Round Rock Police Department and the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office stand ready to provide protection through the transition period and to assist and support the District as it builds its department, if the Board of Trustees so chooses," the letter reads. "It is paramount all work together to develop a plan ensuring consistent protection for those on Round Rock ISD campuses – all parties are committed to the success of this program. The partnership with local law enforcement agencies is not going away; it is evolving."

Banks spoke at the regularly scheduled Round Rock ISD board meeting Thursday night and encouraged community members to come to him with any concerns.

“First and foremost, school safety is paramount,” Banks said. “That has not changed and will not change.”

Banks said the Round Rock Police Department would support the district if it chooses to establish its own police department.

The school district is currently served by school resource officers from the city, county and Austin Community College.