We have a town of approximately 2400 people with about 400+ kids at our local K-8 school. Our local police force has 8 fulltime police officers (including the chief and two seargeants) with 2 officers on duty at all time. Up until last May, we had a fulltime SRO who was at the school at 8AM thru school day, either directly in front of school upon school starting or getting out and during school hours, patrolling the grounds and the town park in front where the Post office is. If he was at the back area of school or near the corner of the park sitting on the bench, if someone entered the front of the school and a shot rang out, he would be able to radio for backup immediately and head in the direction of shooter. His constant presence during school day was a deterrent to any child predator, drug dealer or someone who might want to go near the kids during recess with ill intentions. Now that we dont have a SRO, a prospective shooter could walk into the front entrance, even with protective front, and if any of the administrators couldnt alert the police soon enough or were killed upon the entry of the shooter, this shooter could kill many civilians before police arrived. If "Officer Bob" was still here at our school campus, even if it was at the back of campus, I guatantee you he would hear any gunshots, radio for backup and know what to do. Most of my childrens teachers and principal have never even heard a gunshot and could mistake it for a car backfiring. Not Officer Bob Besgrove....trained in Army, he would know immediately the sound of gunfire (not to mention recognize any strangers in area) and the simple presence of him would bring police there in minutes and save lives.
Our town almost got rid of the police recently because of funding issues - but we saved them with passing in November Measure D to fund our police....had they gone away, response times could have gone from 2 minute to 30 minute response times because of being further away in a neighboring town they discussed a merger with. Now that we saved our local police by funding it, I want us to bring back the School Resource Officer Program and have that again. My children would be safer, no question. And so, yes, I support a funded (perhaps by taxes on ammo?) SRO program nationally. Law enforcement, not armed teachers or civilians. And certainly with no affiliation, training or connection to the Gun Manufacturer Lobbyists called the NRA.
Old article in local paper from 2009 of our beloved School Resource Officer, "Officer Bob":
http://www.marinij.com/ci_12521277
http://www.marinij.com/portlet/article/html/imageDisplay.jsp?contentItemRelationshipId=2467175
= new reply since forum marked as read
