School Tells Cop Scott Urkov Not To Wear Gun, Uniform When Picking Up Daughter

Opposing Views ^ | 10/03/2013 | By Jonathan Vankin

[Responsibility2nd]

While school districts around the country, in wake of the numerous school shootings that have plagued the United States in recent years, have debated whether to have armed guards on school grounds, one school in Arizona recently told a police officer to leave his gun at home — and for that matter, his uniform as well — when he picks up his daughter.

Scott Urkov got a call from the principal of Entz Elementary School in Mesa, Arizona, after he showed up at the school in his full police uniform including his sidearm.

The cop immediately took to Facebook to express his disbelief.

"Nothing like your kids school calling and asking if I could not come to pick up my daughter in uniform cause parents were concerned when their kids came home telling them there was a man at school with a gun. Are you freaking kidding me?" he posted.

The sight of an armed man — even a fully uniformed police officer — with a handgun on the school grounds was apparently too much for some parents.

"There were some parents who were concerned about that fact that there was a fully armed officer on campus and they spoke to the principal about it," said school spokesperson Helen Hollands.

But not all parents were alarmed. Some told a local Fox TV station that an armed officer on campus was a good thing.

"Even if my kids saw that I think they'd feel more protected to see a man in uniform at their school," sais one parent, Blaine Spencer.

The school has apologized, saying that they didn’t realize that Urkov (pictured) would take the phone call as an affront and now wants to turn the misunderstanding into a “teachable moment.” Urkov has bee invited to speak at the school in his full uniform to explain to kids what police officers do.

As for Urkov himself, he told the Fox reporter that his department advised him “just to let it be,” without further comment.

SOURCES: My Fox Phoenix, Police One

 

[ez]

At least they backed off. How many of these incidents go unpublished and fester among the population?

[WhiskeyX]

IIRC there are jurisdictions where a law enforcement officer is requied by law and or regulation to carry a firearm at all times in public places and aboard public transportation, under the theory that police officers are never entirely free of their duty in their jurisdiction.

[lee martell]

Sounds like the school really wants to make up for this faux paux, but (with a principal like this one) I can’t blame the police department for saying, no more on this, let’s move on.

[CSM]

As they are conditioning these young kids to hate guns, they are conditioning them to concentrate on sex. I’m beginning to think that the NEA has a very high ratio of perverts that want unarmed victims....

[Gator113]

The principal of Entz Elementary School should be fired. No discussion, just fire him/her/it.

There needs to be a public policy of zero tolerance for incompetence and complete lack of common sense in our educational system.

Fire the damn principal or defund the school.... apologies be damned.

[onceone]

As a CA CCW holder I can carry at a school. Go figure.

[jch10]

I don’t believe they have the right to ask this of the officer. I’d show up in it for spite.

[driftless2]

Last month on a trip out west I had a Brit in-law almost freak out when he saw a Park Ranger with a sidearm. He was seriously concerned when he saw one with a gun at Yellowstone. I had to explain to him about (1) dangerous four-legged critters and (2) dangerous two-legged critters.

[Steamburg]

Thank heaven “brilliant in their field” is a very loosely interpreted, highly, subjective opinion. America’s ranking in math and science is pretty damning evidence. Fortunately, they don’t require tests on any government form other than communism to keep teaching credentials.

[driftdiver]

Yes I know.

Honestly I don’t care. If they are not on duty they shouldn’t be allowed to do anything every other law abiding person can’t do.

period

the point isn’t increasing controls on cops, but decreasing controls on everyone else.

[ObozoMustGo2012]

So if an incident happens at the school and the police are called, should they go home and change clothes first before they respond? (Without their gun obviously!)

[Jeff Chandler]

he showed up at the school in his full police uniform including his sidearm.

I really don't see what the problem would be unless they had a dog as a school mascot.

[Farnsworth]

I’m sure it was liberal parents that were shocked by this site.

Idiots

[Hulka]

“If they are not on duty they shouldn’t be allowed to do anything every other law abiding person can’t do.”

Agree.

Thing is, in their jurisdiction they are never off-duty. If a crime happens in their view they have an obligation to act. As a civilian you have no such obligation.

[wku man]

"On the other side you have jack booted government thug who thinks that the rules that apply to me OBVIOUSLY don’t apply to him."

Wow...you inferred all that from a 250-300 word article? Man, you must be psychic. /sarc

Scouts Out! Cavalry Ho!

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

Why is it when some parent, some ninny, who can't hold their fudge at the sight of a picture of a gun always gets school administrators to bend over backwards to accommodate their paranoia?

Why have no school administrators the guts to say, "Your concern has been noted. Now get 51% of the parents of children in this school to agree with you and THEN we'll take action to assuage your irrational fears."

[EdReform]

The sight of an armed man — even a fully uniformed police officer — with a handgun on the school grounds was apparently too much for some parents.

"There were some parents who were concerned about that fact that there was a fully armed officer on campus and they spoke to the principal about it," said school spokesperson Helen Hollands.

An irrational fear of firearms is a form of mental illness known as hoplophobia. It is treatable and those afflicted should seek the assistance of a mental health professional.

Raging Against Self Defense: A psychiatrist Examines The Anti-Gun Mentality

HOPLOPHOBIA - A modern scourge

[cork]

My wife works in a school office. One morning she called and asked if I could drop off an envelope she had left on the kitchen table. Sure. She told the principal that she was going out to meet me at the curb. He asked why, I could come in. She told him that if I walked through the metal detector it might explode from overload. Said he laughed, shook his head and said he didn’t want to know.

[mrsmel]

How did generations manage to grow up sane and healthy after laying their eyes on a firearm numerous times in their lives, maybe even-gasp-shooting one?

[Cowgirl of Justice]

Exactly.

The damage has already been done.

Gun- bad.

Policeman-bad.

Oh, by the way- oopsie!!!!

What do you think the children will remember? ‘The gun is bad’ or ‘We were wrong’?