Arming school security officers becoming more common due to gun violence

Editor:

As some people know gun violence is a big thing in the world now. One of the main problems is gun violence in schools. Many people have different thoughts if security guards should be armed or unarmed.

In Orleans County there are 14 public school buildings and some people wonder if there are armed security. I can tell you in Holley high school and elementary school there are indeed armed guards. Kendall Central School also has an armed resource officer. The 14 schools in Orleans County have armed guards.

There is a lot of research that supports armed guards and how they influence kids to make the right decisions and even though they might not see the weapon they just see the person and just know to do the right thing.

Many have expressed their feelings and opinions about armed security guards in schools but many don’t know the positives around that. In May 2018 at a high school that is located in a different state, an armed gunman came onto campus. The armed security guards took charge and wasn’t far away from the armed gunman. The guard chased the gunman off campus then shot to disable him. No one besides the gunman was hurt. The gunman did not die but he spent a couple days in the hospital and was sent to prison.

From 2013-2014, 43% of public schools have one or more security staff in the building. Most armed guards keep 2 firearms on them. One on their side and one on their leg as a backup.

What’s the point of hiring an unarmed security guard if all they can do is put their self in the line of danger and possibly get shot?

The U.S. Congress also adds an additional 14 million dollars for that budget to help train armed security guards in schools.

In New York State alone they have 200-400 armed security guards in schools not accounting the schools in New York City. Some may ask what’s the point of having armed security guards in schools and they really do help by patrolling the hallways and making sure there is nothing going on while also taking a look outside to make sure nothing looks suspicious.

After the Parkland school shooting in Florida on Feb. 14, 2018, more and more schools have hired or let security guards be armed. I appreciate the time it took for you to read my article about armed security guards in schools and if you have any questions please reach out to my email at mackenziefiorito@student.holleycsd.org.

Mackenzie Fiorito

Holley