Pennsylvania State Police troopers visiting schools within their jurisdiction will soon be a common sight.

Gov. Tom Wolf and acting state police Commissioner Lt. Col. Robert Evanchick announced new requirements this week for troopers to check in on educational facilities located in their jurisdiction at least once per shift.

“Schools and institutions of higher learning are part of the foundation of the commonwealth, and protecting our students is of paramount importance,” Evanchick said. “The department has made it a priority to enhance our presence at schools to not only help us identify and address potential issues, but also to open the lines of communication.”

For schools where municipal police departments have primary coverage, troopers will still visit, but only as time allows. Troopers will also work hand in hand with districts that have their own police officer on staff.

State police have primary jurisdiction in around 1,300 municipalities throughout the state.

State police spokesman Ryan Tarkowski said routine trooper patrols have already been taking place before the recent initiative, but they are now required once per shift.

“That visit could amount to a drive around the perimeter of the school or physically going in the building to talk to students and staff,” he added.

Many school districts had developed a positive working relationship with the state police long before Tuesday’s announcement.

Palmerton Area School District has three buildings, Towamensing Elementary, the junior high and the high school, under state police jurisdiction.

Superintendent Scot Engler said one of his first actions after being hired in July 2013 was to add wording to the district handbook concerning police visits.

“The Palmerton Area School District is committed to the safety and security of our students, staff and schools,” the handbook addition read. “We encourage and welcome visits from local law enforcement agencies; we will also routinely conduct safety drills so that we can be as prepared as possible in the event of a true emergency. Please know that we will not provide notice, either before or after, these routine visits and drills. We thank you for your understanding and cooperation.”

Engler said he works with the person in charge of the Lehighton barracks, currently Sgt. Shawn Hilbert, and the district has embraced and encouraged frequent visits from troopers for years.

“They, along with Randy Smith and Kevin Buck at Palmerton borough, have been outstanding, not just in response to the most recent tragedies, but long before that as well.”

Palmerton students, Engler added, are now accustomed to seeing troopers in the building.

Two of Jim Thorpe Area School District’s buildings fall within borough boundaries, but Penn-Kidder Elementary is a state police-covered property.

“We’ve been informed that PSP will be visiting our campuses periodically over the course of the year,” Superintendent Brian Gasper said Thursday. “As superintendent, this is a great opportunity for our schools and district. We’ve always welcomed and have a great working relationship with all police and first responders in our district. More opportunities for visits and communication will only enhance the safety and security of our district for our students and staff.”

The recommendation came out of School Safety Task Force meetings around the state.

At one time, the sight of a state police cruiser in the parking lot of a school may have been cause for concern for parents.

Evanchick asks parents to be mindful that the safety checks are a proactive security measure, not a response to any threat or incident.

“Parents should not be alarmed if they see an increased state police presence at their child’s school or hear about a trooper making an appearance in the cafeteria at lunchtime,” he said. “These visits are intended to be a positive experience between troopers, students and educators.”