Stricter Gun Laws In Schools

On 14 December 2012, America endured the horrific tragedy when a gunman, identified as Adam Lanza, took the lives of 20 elementary students and 8 administrative members of Sandy Hook Elementary School. The needless evil of one man not only took the lives of these children but also destroyed the foreseen precious moments of family experiences; birthdays, graduations, weddings, having children and grandkids of their own. Among the fallen were teachers, men and women who devoted their lives in helping and educating children fulfilling their dreams and goals. What action is required to eliminate the threats of an active shooter in schools or public areas? Implement stricter gun laws? Scrutinize the screening processes? Armed guards serving as

the first layer of a security defense system against active shooters will not only detect, deter and defend against threats of school safety, but will also delay the momentum and forward progress of the adversary attempting to gain access to school facilities.
Over the past 10 years, the devastation and the impact of active shooter incidents continues to claim innocent lives however the U.S.

government has not capitalized on the lessons learned. Discussions about implementing stricter gun laws, scrutinizing applicant background checks, and even talks of banning assault weapons continue to be the topic of White House round-table discussions and in search for the solution. These are viable solutions although would require time and sufficient manpower strategy to conform within our legislative system . Safety experts states, “Even though most school crisis plans generally address school violence generated by students, more attention needs to be paid to the threat of outside intruders, because little can be done to stop a determined shooter once he or she has gained access to a school building. ” Historical data from previous school shootings in the U.S. share the commonalities where gunmen select the path of least resistance, as well as knowing the provided protection to counter the attack is limited or nonexistent. Other factors supporting the gunmen’s objective include; the area were the school is located, crime level, environment and its natural landscape, the construction of the school to include its entrances and exits, and the number of personnel populating the school and its facilities. “Although schools are continually reviewing, modifying, updating and reminding their teachers and staff of the emergency response plan,

does not mitigate or stop the threat .” As the same concept of military strategy, the constant development of bigger and better mouse traps is required since adversaries tend to find a vulnerability to their advantage.
Implementing armed guards within the public school system provides a first layer of defense and viable security measures against threats, specifically in this case of active shooters. Well trained officers, such as Columbine response officer Neil Gardner, an armed sheriff’s deputy, while on his watch engaged and exchanged gunfire with suspect Eric Harris in the school parking lot. During the exchange of gunfire which lasted for a significant amount of time, Harris’ gun had malfunctioned. With Gardner and his back-up present, these officers were able to prolong the advancement of the suspects to buy enough time to evacuate the students. Without the presence and response of these law enforcement officials, more lives would have been easily taken . Obviously, an armed guard placed at designated entry control points of a school, or any other public gathering location, may impede the forward momentum and progress of any threat. Proven in the unfortunate death of Derrick Brun, an unarmed security guard who confronted by 16 year old Jeffery Weise during the March 2005 Red Lake High School shooting; if Brun was properly trained and armed, he along with the other victims may be alive . American families believe when it comes to their children, the government cannot attach a price-tag on their safety. Logistically speaking, how would the U.S. government develop a budget to support the cost as well as the manpower to implement towards the security of public schools?
Funding and training resources are available through city and state law enforcement programs. In support of armed guards in public schools, the Community Oriented Policing in Schools (COPS) grant program, established in 1999, incorporates grants to pay for school security. These grants of over $35 million dollars are dedicated towards paying for the services of active police officers who are hired by the local community law enforcement agencies to provide security at schools on a full time bases. These officers abide and obey the laws of carrying firearms and are considered by the school districts for hire . These resources are the life line which school districts may invest in when it comes to school security and peace of mind.
Unfortunately not all of society is in favor of having armed guards present within public school system.

The liability of innocent bystanders possibly caught between crossfire, and negligent decision making actions from an officer is a concern. Placing armed guards in public schools may be the immediate answer, but mixed thoughts of adding more gun presence in the schools will only amplify the chance of liability when it comes to school safety. For example nine bystanders were caught in crossfire during a shooting that took place at the Empire State Building in New York City in 2012 . Paul Timm, the vice president of RETA Security Inc. known as a base consulting firm for school advisement is not in favor for arming security guards based on the lack of organization and benchmark-standards supporting the training requirements and qualifications armed guards possess . Statistics confirm that training is not an issue when it comes to quality as well as standards within the COPS program. Mishaps do occur however the based on circumstances and implementing risk management, the end result is minimal. Mr. John Hamill, Oklahoma school district spokesman elaborates on the facts of all security personnel do attend and complete the standard law enforcement certification. The course covers in detail the use of force, training tailored to the assigned weapon, and the rules of engagement when it comes to deploying and the use of their firearm . Risks are always present and no two

scenarios or would always have the same results. Officers are human, who place themselves in harm’s way.
In conclusion, America needs to take a closer look at the lessons learned from the recent shootings that claimed many lives and impact many families. Focusing on stricter gun laws, develop a thorough gun screening process, and banning assault weapons and high capacity magazines is a viable solution which takes time and energy to progress through the judicial system. Some would argue that implementing weapons into schools would only bring more chaos and liability. Regardless of the motive of the shooter; the time of day, the physical boundaries and its surroundings, or knowingly the presence of weapons from law abiding citizens is prohibited, the evil intentions and actions of an active shooter all lead to the unprotected school facility. Are America’s public schools are at the mercy of locked doors and glass windows as their first line of defense? Teachers, more so students (children) are there to educate, grow, learn, and become part of society where personal security should not be a concern or issue. By implementing well-trained armed guards into our public school system today builds a stronger layer of defense for tomorrow.