[jack-r-abbit]

Exactly. I want teachers to focus on teaching our kids (and some can't even do that... 'nother topic). I would rather have the protection of our kids left to people who are trained and ready for that. One thing is securing entry to the school. It sounds like the CT school had measures in place to keep out the random creep that might wander in but that didn't stop a kid from blasting his way in. Would bullet-proof glass (or some other similar barrier) at his entry point have saved their lives?

[jwhitlark]

Fortresses, particularly those without an active defense, have a bad track record. Shields don't work without the ability to hit back. Or, as the saying goes, "It takes two sides to have a battle, but only one to have a massacre."

[jack-r-abbit]

Well, slowing a person down with a little harder to get through first barrier gives more time between first notice and first action. Some times just buying enough time to hide/flee can save lives.

[gonzo]

perhaps we could employ retired police officers as "school guards".

They have the training. Many of them are still in their 40s and 50s.

[bsg75]

In some states, non-active LEOs (Law Enforcement Officers) would be prevented by law from being armed, especially as private citizens on school property. H.R.218 is not widely accepted enough to provide for this (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_Enforcement_Officers_Safety...)

In my state many middle and high schools have assigned SROs (School Resource Officers / Deputies), whose primary role is not protection, but to work with students. The secondary benefit is the presence an armed, actively trained LEO who could respond to an active shooter.

While many would decry the costs of adding these SROs to every Elementary - High School, the cost would likely be insignificant (in terms of money and effect) to turning schools into secured facilities (with prison like barriers).

http://www.tricities.com/news/local/article_a66f42d4-4806-11...

[bsg75]

Came across an article proposing this: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-or...

To which one of the first comments is "How are we going to pay for these SROs in Elemtary Schools now?"

My suggestion would be fewer police activities in other nations.

[jack-r-abbit]

just to clarify, I was not advocating prison like barriers. I don't know the name of the type glass that is not bullet proof, per se, but even when penetrated with a bullet it still would not allow entry. I've seen glass that has the criss-cross wires in it that is not bullet proof, but the wires make it very difficult to smash out/though. Obviously I don't know the specifics of exactly how he gained entry other than the reported "shot his way in". But if it had taken him 30-60 secs longer to get in... would some lives have been saved?

[bsg75]

> just to clarify, I was not advocating prison like barriers

Nor did I think you were, but added due to other comments I have seen in the media.

What I did not add / explain in my prior post is that one LEO salary per school (a M-F 7A-3P job) is both something that could be implemented very quickly, without the time and costs associated with reinforcing schools.

[jack-r-abbit]

haha... I should have also clarified that I did not think you thought that. But your comment made me think of my own comment and it seemed fitting to acknowledge it. And agreed about the on-site LEO. I think both are worthy. Particularly if a school has multiple entry points and/or is large. One LEO may not be enough if entry is through an unsecured door across campus.