Posted on 12/13/2007 6:45:42 PM PST by neverdem
I hate to say this, but in the overwhelming majority of cases arming teachers is a bad idea. I wouldn't carry. At least not on my person. I work at one of the most violent inner city schools in the area. We've got MS13 operating within blocks of the school. I wouldn't mind having a secure arms room in my vicinity and let me have access, but truly it would negate the teaching value to be armed at all times. I say this with 18 years on the job. However, it is very handy to have teachers fresh from the military, with combat experience.
In all my years as a high school teacher, I've never once felt threatened by one of my students. I've been "tried" by other students but that was only a test of mettle and not an actual "force on force" situation. They wanted to see if I was willing to go toe to toe and not back off. If my body was capable of cashing any checks written by my mouth. Once I showed a willingness to step up, they always backed off. ALWAYS. I attribute this to a matter of "bearing." The military folks here know what I mean. My body language, demeanor and posture simply assert without speaking that not only can I take care of any situation that presents itself, I will do so. I can't think of a single situation that would have been improved by the presence of an armed teacher. Situations like an active shooter (aka Colombine) notwithstanding. For situations like that I'd recommend access to an arms room.
That's just what I'm talking about. If a teacher wants to carry concealed, it would be a voluntary arrangement. But gun-free zones are just stupid in that they are ignored by crazies and criminals. An arms room would just be a target, IMHO.
Well, I wouldn't advertise it's existence. In fact I could see several secret arms lockers scattered around the building. Secret (as in hidden and secure), small enough for a couple of carbines including optics and a couple of handguns with spare mags.
A killer sees, "Shoot-Free Zone."
In that case, maybe it's better to be judged by 12 than carried by six.
I like your solution. High time we woke up to it.
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