COLUMBIA (WACH) - School shootings, no matter where they happen, spark fear throughout the nation. Midlands professionals have forces in place to help ease those fears.

When violent school shootings occur, like the one Friday morning in Newtown, Conn., parents may wonder how safe their child is at school. Students may wonder how safe they are in class.

Authorities in Columbia say a fearful environment is no environment for learning and there are measures taken to make the community schools safe.

"If you're panicked; if you're in fear; if you're worried about what's over your shoulder, what's around the corner...you can't learn in that environment," said Capt. Chris Cowan, Richland County Sheriff's Department.

School resource officers are present in many Midlands schools to ease the fear factor and increase security.

"Our school resource officers are teachers, coachers, educators," said Cowan

More importantly, they are there to protect.

Cowan says their are 56 total school resource officers in the county. Even with national budget cuts, the department managed to increased their presence in schools.

Charmaine Primus with Richland School District One says the presence of the officers is felt by students.

"Our students know there's an SRO on staff. He's very friendly. He establishes a report and relationship with the students. The students feel really safe with the SRO," said Primus.

Back in 2010 at a Socastee high school near Myrtle Beach, the school's resource officer was put to the test when a student opened fire.

Officer Erik Karney was able to overpower and stop the shooter, who planned the Columbine-like attack.

Even with an officer in uniform within the schools, officials say it is still good to have a game plan if a violent situation arises.

"Just like we have drills for fire drills and hurricanes, we have a crisis team drill as well. We try to make sure everyone on board knows the procedure, so that when a situation happens, everybody is effective at what they need to do to offer support and safety," said Primus

Although there is no sure way to predict school violence, or completely prevent it, officials want parents and students to know there are always ongoing efforts to keep school the safe place it is supposed to be.