Burchett asks for security audit

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett today called for an independent audit into the security systems used by local schools.

The request, which was made to Knox County School Board Chairwoman Karen Carson, comes after the News Sentinel published an article detailing the flaws in what was supposed to be a state-of-the-art system designed to keep children safe.

“I am requesting that the Board of Education strongly consider a full and complete independent security audit of all systems installed by Professional Security Consultants and Design in Knox County Schools,” the mayor said in a letter to the chairwoman. “I recognize that this matter falls outside the purview of the Executive Branch. However, since it involved the safety and security of Knox County school children, I feel it is incumbent upon me to make this request.”

Burchett in an interview with the newspaper on Friday said he wanted an outside party to investigate because “just having your own people doesn't cut it.”

Carson was unavailable for comment today.