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Mt. Juliet police sending undercover officers to shadow buses

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Mt. Juliet police are cracking down on drivers who could be putting children in danger at bus stops. 

The police department says it’s sending out undercover vehicles to make sure drivers are following the law.

A video showing a driver not stopping while children were getting off of their school bus went viral back in August.

Now in response to complaints from the community, Mt. Juliet officers will start randomly following bus routes to make sure drivers are following the law.

"I just believe there's so much inattentive driving going on," said Mt. Juliet Police Chief James Hambrick. "Whether it's the texting or whatever, but they're not paying attention and it's dangerous."

So far this school year, they've caught 15 drivers in the act.

Remember, under Tennessee Law a driver has to stop in both directions when a bus stops and children are getting on or off of it. 

Hambrick said it's important for drivers to report dangerous activity.

"Our officers can't be behind every bus, they can't be in every neighborhood every time," he said. "If you see those... violations occurring, certainly give us a call. Get as much information on that vehicle and driver description if you can, and get that information to us and we'll be able to do something."

If caught, drivers face a misdemeanor that comes with a fine of anywhere from $250 to $1000.

If you’re driving in a school zone, it’s important to make sure to keep your eyes on the road and not use your phone after a new law went into effect just this year.