Law enforcement out to protect school children

With schools back in session, law enforcement officers are asking drivers to be extra careful on the road.

New Hanover County Sheriff's Deputies and Wilmington police are stepping up patrols around school zones. They will be issuing tickets to drivers not following designated speed limits.

Deputies say keeping kids safe is their number one priority.

NHC Sheriff Deputy Lt. Novella Harrell said, "They will be visible, out and about. We have our traffic enforcement out doing the school zones which I think you have seen already this morning. We've got all of our crossing guards in place making sure the kids are nice and safe."

School resource officers and gang units will be patrolling school zones throughout New Hanover County.