MCALLEN – Local inmates visited a McAllen High School campus as a method by law enforcement to keep students on the right path.

A total of 150 students and several inmates gathered at the school’s gym Thursday, as they listened to a county judge question the inmates.

Hidalgo County Sheriff Eddie Guerra says this is exactly what students need to see.

"I'm a parent. I have four children and I have no problem with my kids sitting in an audience and actually seeing first example, a firsthand experience of  the consequences for making bad decisions this is life," says Guerra.

A local mother, who was dropping her daughter off at school and noticed the law enforcement units, says she was concerned about the event.

"That makes me upset, very nervous not knowing especially with all things that are going on, not knowing what are there necessary measures or safety measures for our students here," she says.

District Judge Keno Vasquez explained each inmate had three to four deputies around them.

McAllen Independent School District officials say this was not a mandatory assignment for students.

For more information, watch the video above.