{"id":2343798,"date":"2024-09-20T08:37:57","date_gmt":"2024-09-20T12:37:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/the-best-way-to-prevent-school-shootings-is-armed-staff\/"},"modified":"2024-09-20T08:41:31","modified_gmt":"2024-09-20T12:41:31","slug":"the-best-way-to-prevent-school-shootings-is-armed-staff","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/the-best-way-to-prevent-school-shootings-is-armed-staff\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Way To Prevent School Shootings Is Armed Staff"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"float:left\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">20<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fthe-best-way-to-prevent-school-shootings-is-armed-staff%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2343798&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>In the \u2063aftermath of the tragic school\u200c shooting\u200d at Apalachee High School\u2064 in Georgia, the United States faces the pressing question\u200b of how to effectively \u200csafeguard children in schools. \u2064The debate often becomes embroiled in partisan politics, exemplified by the Biden-Harris\u200b administration&#8217;s\u200c call for stricter \u2064gun laws that\u200b critics \u200dargue would not prevent\u2062 such tragedies. Existing laws \u200dalready\u2064 prohibit\u200d minors\u200b from \u2063purchasing firearms, yet \u200dthese regulations have failed to deter violence in schools. <\/p>\n<p>The author asserts that schools remain vulnerable targets, and &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/prager-questions-to-determine-whether-a-friend-or-relative-is-a-liberal-or-a-leftist-2\/\" title=\"PRAGER: Questions To Determine Whether A Friend Or Relative Is A Liberal Or A Leftist\">gun-free zone<\/a>&#8221; policies provide a false\u2064 sense of \u2062security.\u2062 A \u2062proposed solution is to allow trained school staff to carry concealed firearms, not to \u200dmandate it, but to offer a choice for willing \u2064educators to \u200benhance \u200bon-campus safety. This approach has been successfully adopted in \u200cvarious districts across the \u2062country, although the Barrow County School System does not permit \u2063it.<\/p>\n<p>Moreover, the presence\u200b of\u2062 trained security\u2062 personnel, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/maryland-parents-demand-schools-defund-school-resource-officers\/\" title=\"Maryland Parents Demand Schools \u2018Defund\u2019 School Resource Officers\">school resource officers<\/a> (SROs), is crucial.\u2063 The armed\u2062 SRO at Apalachee\u2063 High School played a \u200bkey role in responding to the shooter\u200d and preventing further loss\u200d of\u200d life. The author \u2064critiques former Senator Kamala Harris&#8217;s past position \u200cadvocating the removal of \u200bpolice \u200bofficers from schools, suggesting that \u200dsuch policies could exacerbate\u200d security vulnerabilities.<\/p>\n<p>In\u2062 addition to \u200carmed staff and security personnel, the author emphasizes the\u200c importance of physical security measures\u200b within schools, such as reinforced entry points and surveillance \u200dsystems. Ultimately, the piece argues\u200b against imposing restrictions \u200con law-abiding \u200ccitizens&#8217; rights\u200d to bear arms, positing that these individuals are integral to the solution, rather\u2063 than the problem.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<div>\n<p>In the wake of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/arizona-gov-katie-hobbs-kills-plan-to-allow-parents-to-conceal-carry-at-schools\/\" title=\"Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs Kills Plan to Allow Parents to Conceal Carry at Schools\">tragic school shootings<\/a> like Apalachee High School in Georgia, our nation grapples with a critical question: How do we best protect our children?&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Sadly, too often, the debate devolves quickly into partisan talking points. The Biden-Harris administration seized on this tragedy to call for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.whitehouse.gov\/briefing-room\/statements-releases\/2024\/09\/04\/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-shooting-at-apalachee-high-school-in-georgia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">more laws<\/a> that would restrict Americans&rsquo; right to self-defense, but which would have done nothing to stop this shooting. In fact, at both the federal and state levels, it is already <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usconcealedcarry.com\/resources\/ccw_reciprocity_map\/ga-gun-laws\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">illegal<\/a> for a 14-year-old to purchase and possess a firearm, but, neither those laws nor others, like the Gun-Free School Zones Act, deterred this evil.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>More recently on the debate stage, Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris attempted to amend her clear anti-gun record, despite previously <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/shorts\/kIXYXCyBzWg?si=AntRwGn20sK1TXlX\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">voicing support<\/a> for confiscating guns as a candidate in 2020.<\/p>\n<p>It&rsquo;s crucial to set politics aside and approach this debate with facts.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The reality is that many of our schools remain soft targets, vulnerable to those intent on causing harm. &ldquo;Gun-free zone&rdquo; signs offer <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usconcealedcarry.com\/blog\/gun-free-zones-why-they-dont-work\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">false security<\/a>, deterring only the law-abiding. We need a multifaceted strategy that hardens schools as targets while empowering responsible adults to protect themselves and those in their care.<\/p>\n<p>A cornerstone of this approach should be allowing trained, willing school staff to carry concealed firearms. To be clear, this isn&rsquo;t about forcing guns into unwilling hands but about giving educators a choice. Law enforcement or even trained security personnel cannot be everywhere simultaneously, and when seconds matter, even a tiny percentage of armed staff can make a difference.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Armed Educators and Security Officers<\/h2>\n<p>This strategy has already been implemented successfully in numerous school districts across the country. In fact, numerous localities in more than <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usconcealedcarry.com\/blog\/which-states-allow-teachers-to-carry-concealed\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">30 states<\/a> allow staff to effectively protect children by carrying a firearm on campus, however, the Barrow County School System, where Apalachee High School is located, is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.11alive.com\/article\/news\/education\/teachers-gun-school-district-georgia-carry\/85-d2f17fe0-86b7-45b5-893b-8f4ec4015bc4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">not<\/a> one of them.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>When properly trained, armed educators pose no risk to students. Instead, they provide an invaluable layer of protection, capable of responding immediately to threats. Educators undergo a background check to work in schools, so we already know these are people without criminal records.<\/p>\n<p>Furthermore, school districts that implement these policies must also ensure firearms are properly stored. Gun storage is an essential component of gun safety. Using gun safes, lock boxes, and other security measures can prevent unauthorized access, especially by students.<\/p>\n<p>Organizations such as the U.S. Concealed Carry Association have trained and educated millions of Americans, including many school staff personnel, in firearms and self-defense fundamentals and this training has unquestionably helped save lives.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Complementing armed staff, schools should increase the presence of trained security personnel. Whether school resource officers (SROs) or private security, having dedicated professionals on campus provides critical protection. These individuals can respond quickly to threats and in fact, that&rsquo;s exactly what happened at Apalachee High School. Thank heaven there was an armed SRO on campus who engaged the suspect, forced his surrender, and prevented the further loss of life.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Kamala Harris Wanted Officers Out<\/h2>\n<p>Given her rhetoric in the immediate aftermath of this tragedy, it&rsquo;s worth noting that as a candidate for president in 2019, then-Sen. Kamala Harris <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/ClayTravis\/status\/1828787964803211427\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">supported<\/a> &ldquo;taking police officers out of schools.&rdquo; In other words, this tragedy could have been far worse if schools around the country, including Apalachee High School, had followed her lead and adopted a policy of no armed security on campus.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Physical security measures are equally important. Schools need secure entry points, reinforced doors and windows, comprehensive camera systems, and advanced communication networks. Regular security audits and drills are essential to identify vulnerabilities and ensure preparedness. However, it&rsquo;s crucial to implement these measures thoughtfully, maintaining a welcoming learning environment.<\/p>\n<h2>Misguided Restrictions<\/h2>\n<p>While these proactive security measures are vital, we must reject misguided attempts to address school shootings by restricting the right of law-abiding Americans to protect themselves and their loved ones. The constitutional right to keep and bear arms is fundamental to a free society. Law-abiding gun owners are not the problem &mdash; they&rsquo;re an essential part of the solution.<\/p>\n<p>History has shown that expanding gun-free zones or imposing new restrictions on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/california-sheriffs-tell-newsom-they-wont-enforce-covid-curfew\/\" title=\"California Sheriffs Tell Newsom They Won&#039;t Enforce COVID Curfew\">law-abiding citizens<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/crimeresearch.org\/2018\/06\/more-misleading-information-from-bloombergs-everytown-for-gun-safety-on-guns-analysis-of-recent-mass-shootings\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">does little<\/a> to deter those intent on doing harm. It only renders more people defenseless in the face of evil. The tired refrain of &ldquo;do something&rdquo; often leads to knee-jerk legislation that infringes on the rights of millions while failing to address the root causes of violence.<\/p>\n<p>Instead of fixating on divisive gun control measures, we should focus on mental health resources, improving threat assessment protocols, and fostering a culture of awareness and reporting. Early intervention is critical to preventing troubled individuals from reaching the point of violence.<\/p>\n<p>Critics may argue that more guns in schools will lead to accidents or unintended consequences. But the data doesn&rsquo;t support this fear. Schools that have implemented armed staff or increased security have not seen an uptick in firearms-related incidents. Proper training and clear protocols <a href=\"https:\/\/www.purdueexponent.org\/campus\/article_f8dfdd05-14f5-53a8-a348-eb69a6ead48f.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">mitigate risks<\/a> while providing potentially life-saving protection.<\/p>\n<p>Ultimately, there are no easy solutions to the complex problem of school shootings. But we can make our schools far safer without sacrificing our fundamental freedoms by taking a balanced approach that combines enhanced physical security, armed protection, mental health resources, and a commitment to preserving constitutional rights.<\/p>\n<p>Our children deserve to learn in a safe and free environment. We can provide them with exactly that by moving beyond partisan rhetoric and embracing pragmatic solutions. It&rsquo;s time to set aside ideological purity in favor of real-world results. Our students&rsquo; lives and our nation&rsquo;s future depend on it.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<p>      Rob Chadwick is director of education and training for Delta Defense and the U.S. Concealed Carry Association. During his 30-year law enforcement career, Rob was responsible for developing and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/army-charges-military-doctor-in-sexual-abuse-case-with-nearly-40-alleged-victims-report\/\" title=\"Military doctor charged with sexual abuse of nearly 40 victims: Report\">implementing comprehensive training programs<\/a> for FBI agents at all levels. He is the former head of the Tactical Training Program at the FBI Academy at Quantico and previously served as an agent-in-charge of the protective detail for U.S. Attorney General William P. Barr.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In the aftermath of devastating school shootings, such as the one at Apalachee High School in Georgia, our country faces an urgent question: What is the most effective way to safeguard our children? Unfortunately, discussions often quickly turn into partisan arguments. The Biden-Harris administration has used this tragedy to advocate for additional laws that would limit Americans&#8217; right to self-defense, despite these measures not addressing the root cause of such incidents. Currently, both federal and state laws prohibit a 14-year-old from buying or possessing a firearm; however, these regulations did not prevent this tragedy nor have others like the Gun-Free School Zones Act.<\/p>\n<p>Recently on the campaign trail, Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris attempted to distance herself from her previous anti-gun stance after having supported gun confiscation during her 2020 candidacy. It is essential to set aside political agendas and focus on factual discussions.<\/p>\n<p>The truth is that many schools remain vulnerable targets for those looking to inflict harm. &#8220;Gun-free zone&#8221; signs provide a false sense of security by only deterring law-abiding citizens. We need a comprehensive strategy that strengthens school defenses while allowing responsible adults to protect themselves and their students.<\/p>\n<p>A key element of this strategy should be permitting trained and willing school staff members to carry concealed firearms. This approach does not involve forcing guns into anyone&#8217;s hands but rather offers educators an option for protection. Law enforcement or trained security personnel cannot be present everywhere at all times; thus even a small percentage of armed staff can significantly impact safety when every second counts.<\/p>\n<p>This method has already been successfully adopted in various school districts nationwide; over 30 states allow staff members who are properly trained to carry firearms on campus\u2014though Barrow County Schools, where Apalachee High School is located, do not permit it.<\/p>\n<p>When adequately trained, armed educators do not pose risks but instead add an essential layer of protection capable of responding swiftly in emergencies. Educators already undergo background checks before working in schools which ensures they have no criminal records.<\/p>\n<p>Moreover, districts implementing these policies must prioritize safe firearm storage practices using gun safes or lock boxes to prevent unauthorized access by students.<\/p>\n<p>Organizations like the U.S. Concealed Carry Association have educated millions\u2014including many school personnel\u2014in firearms training and self-defense fundamentals which have undoubtedly saved lives.<\/p>\n<p>In addition to armed staff members, schools should enhance their security presence with trained professionals such as school resource officers (SROs) or private security personnel who can respond rapidly during threats\u2014just as occurred at Apalachee High School when an armed SRO engaged with a suspect and prevented further casualties.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s important also to note that Kamala Harris previously advocated for removing police officers from schools during her presidential campaign in 2019; had her recommendations been followed nationwide\u2014including at Apalachee High\u2014the situation could have escalated much worse without any armed security present on campus.<\/p>\n<p>Physical security measures are equally crucial: schools require secure entry points along with reinforced doors and windows complemented by comprehensive surveillance systems and advanced communication networks. Regular audits and drills are necessary for identifying vulnerabilities while ensuring preparedness\u2014all while maintaining an inviting learning atmosphere.<\/p>\n<p>While proactive safety measures are vital components against potential violence within educational institutions we must reject misguided efforts aimed solely at restricting law-abiding citizens\u2019 rights regarding self-protection through gun ownership\u2014the constitutional right remains fundamental within free societies where responsible gun owners contribute positively towards solutions rather than being viewed as problems themselves!<\/p>\n<p>History demonstrates expanding gun-free zones or imposing new restrictions fails miserably deterring those intent upon causing harm\u2014it merely leaves more individuals defenseless against evil acts! The common call \u201cdo something\u201d often results only knee-jerk legislation infringing upon millions\u2019 rights without addressing underlying causes behind violence itself!<\/p>\n<p>Instead focusing solely divisive control measures let us prioritize mental health resources improving threat assessment protocols fostering awareness cultures reporting early intervention critical preventing troubled individuals reaching violent extremes!<\/p>\n<p>Critics may argue increased firearms presence leads accidents unintended consequences\u2014but data doesn\u2019t support fears surrounding this issue! Schools adopting policies arming staff increasing overall safety haven\u2019t experienced upticks related incidents proper training clear protocols mitigate risks providing potentially life-saving protections!<\/p>\n<p>Ultimately there aren\u2019t easy answers complex issues surrounding shootings occurring within educational settings\u2014but we can enhance safety without sacrificing freedoms through balanced approaches combining physical enhancements alongside mental health resources preserving constitutional rights ensuring children learn safely freely! <\/p>\n<p>Our youth deserve environments conducive learning devoid fear\u2014we owe them pragmatic solutions transcending partisan rhetoric prioritizing real-world outcomes because our students\u2019 lives future depend upon it!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3439,"featured_media":2343799,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/thefederalist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Apala-e1726261108147.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[546],"tags":[41314,41315,16596,40242],"class_list":["post-2343798","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-federalist","tag-armed-staff","tag-crisis-prevention","tag-gun-control","tag-school-safety"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/thefederalist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Apala-e1726261108147.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2343798","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3439"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2343798"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2343798\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2343799"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2343798"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2343798"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2343798"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}