January 23, 2013
In the wake of the school murders at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, school administrators across the nation are formulating proactive planning in an effort to include a first line of defense. Protection of elementary school aged children has become an awareness never before seen in this country.
Unprecedented and tragic violence has become a well-spring of opinions focusing on gun ownership, possession, and weapon platforms. There is some conversation focusing on mental health issues and application of HIPPA Laws regarding patient confidentiality. One overwhelming question remains: what freedoms written in our Constitution will be subjected to government overbearance?
Recently Wake County School Board proposed employing unarmed security guards at Wake County Elementary Schools at a cost of 2.4 million dollars. Most parents approve of the measure to add unarmed security guards in schools. The motion to approve the cost has seen ebbs and flow on both sides to the equation giving rise to the proposal being tabled for further discussion and review.
In light of the mass killings nationwide recently, should elementary schools have unarmed security personnel as a first line of defense? What should Moore County Commissioners consider to prevent another tragedy similar to Sandy Hook?
We have experienced our own tragedy when convicted murder Robert Stewart opened fire on innocent residents of a local nursing home. Is there a formula to protect citizens who gather in large groups in enclosed structures, or wait for the next headline news story? Perhaps the next psychologically dysfunctional individual may choose targets other than schools or movie theaters.
Do viable solutions exist for protection in public places really exist as an option or are we headed for an all out police state?
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dentman65 3 months, 3 weeks ago
There is little defense against a disturbed person with a bomb or a gun who wants to die and is set on taking many innocents with them. As for unarmed guards, what good is that? An unarmed guard is as deadly as a rattlesnake with no teeth! Some people still just don't get it. These nutjobs cannot be reasoned with. As a former employee of Moore County School's Maintenance Department, I know first hand how easy it is to get on to any school campus. I could have driven an Army tank onto campus and in some places never raised an eyebrow. They are busy educating, that is what they do. You could fence the perimeters but fences can be easily cut in less than two minutes. Multi-camera systems can be breached. One shot with a scoped rifle would take out any security guard. Not to mention, How can one guard be everywhere on some of these campuses that are several acres large. If gunmen and bombers can breach high security military facilities around the world and blow up our ships in their foreign harbors and Military Barracks as Marines sleep under guard, I am saddened to say I am not sure what we can do to protect our children . I will be curious to read any good solutions that the people of Moore County can come up with, for sake of our children!
ncrunner77 3 months, 3 weeks ago
Agree, this is a mental health issue first that needs to be addressed with ensuring there's requisite attention and intervention . For too long our country has chosen to stick their heads in the sand until a something as catastrophic as Sandy Hook occurs. Even then,objects are banned vice dealing with root causes. As for the schools? I have a family member that attends West Pine MS, there is a uniformed police officer there (it's my understanding their responsibilities are for both the elementary and middle school). Tommy Davis' question of placing unarmed security personnel akin to mall security types, is not the answer. We already have this. The question is, should this become the standard? I believe so. Arming teachers (like the school in Texas - making it an "option" not mandatory) can be done, but unless they're getting active shooter training and are as proficient as law enforcement, it's something that I think is a last resort measure. As a 23 year veteran and firearms owner, I realize the heavy responsibility of using deadly force against an adversary. It cannot be taken lightly, nor given as a primary task to someone who has the responsibility to educate, mentor, and guide our children. What do we do? It starts with parents. We need to talk to our children and educate them on the courses of action they need to take if one of these catastrophic events occur in their school. Secondly, contact our legislators and emphasize the fact that our mental health system is on the backburner and it deserves more attention. Third, If your school already has an assigned police officer, make sure you let them know how much you appreciate their presence.
Toda 3 months, 3 weeks ago
ncrunner77 => I enjoyed reading your comments.
Should legislation be enabled for Medicare treatments, how will information gathered on one applying for a firearm background checks and HIPPA laws? The person at the point-of-sale isn't entitled to personal medical history to purchase a firearm.
Thanks for your thoughts - Tommy
Toda 3 months, 3 weeks ago
How should the Moore County Board of Commissioners address the issue of school safety in elementary school across Moore County?
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