AMSTERDAM, N.Y. -- When Ariel Santiago walks the halls of Marie Curie Institute, he's not doing it as a cop, or a parent, or even former school board member. He's doing it as the newest member of the school's security staff.

"The school district hired me as a hall monitor," he said. "When I'm not with the police department, I'm here with the school."

The middle and high school have had hall monitors for some time now, but after a threat came in to one of the elementary schools, district officials decided it was time to grow the program.

"Times have changed," Santiago said.

Each of the three elementary schools now has officers, active and retired, walking the halls and watching the cafeteria. Hall monitors are just a part of it. Officials are doing a district wide safety assessment.

Here, drivers have to check in with monitors before so students are only going home with people they know.

"They ask your name and address and everything to make sure you are the person you say you are," one parent said.

There's also security cameras being installed on all seven buildings.

Some parents question if the district is doing enough, but teachers say having a cop on hand is a move that deserves an A-plus.

"Being a male teacher, a lot of times you're called to situations. Now it's good to have an expert on the spot handle the situation," teacher Dave Kruger said.

The idea is a win for the officers as well. They get to create connections at an early age. Santiago is going to all of the fifth grade classrooms to help them get ready for the adjustment to middle school. That way they'll know that someone is keeping an eye out, and an eye on, them when they make the transition.