This student wrote in response to our blog on School Security issues: The Case for School Resource Officers
It’s important for schools to have comprehensive safety plans in place that include measures to prevent and respond to potential incidents. Additionally, schools should work to create a culture of safety and respect, where students feel comfortable reporting any concerns they may have and where staff are trained to respond appropriately to any potential threats.
Not anyone should just be able to buy a gun by the age of 18. Something needs to be done to get guns out of the hands of the mentally ill. It should not be easy to obtain a gun.
It’s a good idea for School Resource Officers who are trained to prevent incidents from escalating and to maintain order and safety on school grounds. Depending on their jurisdiction and training, they may have access to firearms, but their primary role is to de-escalate situations and prevent harm. Other tools and resources that SROs may have available to them include communication devices, pepper spray, and other non-lethal weapons. Having these tools with them makes it safe and easier to help in any escalating situation. The goal of SROs is to prevent incidents from occurring in the first place and to ensure the safety and well-being of all students and staff on school grounds.
