Atlanta Public Schools is considering creating its own police force to give the district more control over security and preventative measures for student and staff safety.

Several other area school districts, including Gwinnett County, have an independent security force. Gwinnett established its school police force in 1979. Currently, 25 officers work in the district and provide security in 18 school clusters.

APS Superintendent Erroll Davis said he will provide details on the development and cost of a school police force in the next two months. The district has also scheduled public meetings in which parents and students can offer input on school security.