Inside a School Where Teachers Pack Heat

[sarisataka]

80. Fair questions

Do you want teachers in your neighborhood schools carrying guns? no

Would it make you feel safer or more nervous to know your children went to a school with armed teachers? it would depend on several factors

As we have seen in other areas, as demand for a need increases, funding for the need decreases. We want schools safer; there are some indications that armed individuals may have a positive effect if the event of a school shooting. Therefore armed personnel in a school should make it safer.

Unquestionably the more guns, or any other item, in a given area increases the possibility of an accident or misuse. Therefore armed personnel in a school should make less safe.

I could go all Vizzini for an hour, but in short there is no definitive answer.

I have mentioned in the past that I do some security consulting for schools. I always address the idea of firearms in a school and have yet to give a positive recommendation. I have several reasons-
First- the teachers are there to teach, not defend. In a worst case situation their attention must be focused on the children, not engaging an armed intruder.
Second- staff members are more likely to be able to engage a threat. The counter point is they have their jobs on a day to day basis and likely no training in firearm combat. Outside of amazing luck they would be at best ineffective and quite possibly could make the situation worse.
Lastly-cost is an issue for schools (I do some work pro bono) The money spent on a dedicated security guard could stretch much further in better securing the building, making it a less inviting target without making the school into a fortress.

I cannot say that I will never see a school where armed staff or faculty would be a possible solution. The article is about a school in an uncommon situation and it seems to work for them. For most schools there are other options that are effective and less controversial.