Richard McKearney 🇺🇸’s Post

Nearly 60% of active shooter incidents at schools occur at high schools The prevalence of active shooter incidents at schools, particularly high schools, has prompted increased discussions about campus safety measures. According to the Security Industry Association (SIA), since 1999, nearly 60% of such incidents have occurred in high schools. Although only a small percentage of schools are currently equipped with weapon detection devices, experts like Bobby Kipper of the National Center for the Prevention of Community Violence believe that the adoption of these systems will likely grow in response to the rising number of shootings. Kipper advocates for enhanced training for students and faculty to respond to active shooter situations, rather than arming educators. Similarly, Remo Eyal of Decision Tactical underscores the importance of crisis response training for both law enforcement and civilians. In line with these perspectives, Orange County Public Schools has initiated a safety pilot program that includes the installation of weapons detection systems in seven schools, aiming to improve safety and preparedness. Stay ahead of the latest news and trends impacting the education world: ➡️ https://lnkd.in/dyhRncr8 #safetyandsecurity #schoolsafety #schools #students #education

As the article says, "Active Shooter training can be expensive..." Not training can be more expensive. Hello, all responders, please reach out to me! Let's talk #TableTopSIMs Let's talk #Training that won't cause panic and stress with kids and the general public. And let's talk about addressing the #PreIncidentIndicators before you are required to respond. #SmartTraining #ConnectTheDots #TacticalTaining #SaveLives https://lnkd.in/g9aGiPsz

As a proponent of a proper #SRO program, I've been concerned with the recent trend of transforming SROs into police officers in schools. The difference in operation and outcomes between the two is stark. While having an SRO on every campus is ideal, it's simply not feasible due to the shortage of law enforcement personnel. California is currently considering a bill that would require armed officers on school campuses. Let's hope lawmakers understand the problems with implementing a bill such as this and continue to keep the safety and well-being of the students a priority! #schoolsecurity #lawenforcement #educationnews #schoolleaders #security

This week a 14-year-old Covington (Tennessee) High School student's actions will reportedly send him to juvenile court after Covington Police said they had to use a taser to get him under control when he assaulted a #teacher following a parent-teacher meeting.(Full story linked below) The use of a taser by #SROs or other police almost always raise #schoolsafety questions by some #parents, media and others in school-communities about whether tasers are appropriate for use in #schoolsecurity incidents in schools. More than 15 years ago I wrote a post as the use of tasers was being explored not only for school-based police, but also an odd instance or two where someone recommended that #principals and their assistants also be allowed to carry them. While that post is very, very dated, some of the issues and points I made are still relevant today. (See the original post here: https://lnkd.in/eb6whtgB) Some questions I suggested back then that #schoolleaders consider, which still seem relevant today, include: 1) What policies, procedures, and/or joint memoranda of understanding are in place with the law enforcement agency and the school district regarding use of force issues followed by the police department which could surface in use of force by school-based police officers? 2) What research and data exists on the use of tasers specifically on juvenile-aged offenders versus adult offenders? 3) What liability issues may exist for school and law enforcement officials if a taser is used on a student? 4) What if a taser is used on a “special needs” student or one who has a known or unknown medical condition (heart problems, for example)? 5) How will school and police officials handle the school-community relations aspect of an officer using a taser on a student? Being prepared for these questions and issues is a prudent step in planning. We also recommend to school and public safety administrators that they implement a strong education and awareness effort with school staff, PTA, parents, students, and the school community on the purpose, impact, use, etc. of the taser on the front-end, rather than waiting until after it may be used to try to educate members of the school community. Law enforcement agencies should already have policies in place before arming officers with tasers.  #Superintendents, #schoolboards, and police officials should discuss legal and policy implications regarding officers carrying tasers in schools. Police departmental policy, officer training, advance communications between school and police officials, officer judgment skills and common sense, and parent/community education will play big roles in determining the direction this issue takes in a school community. In short, there needs to be a lot of front-end homework and serious discussions, and it is unclear as to whether or not these discussions are currently taking place in many school communities.

I commend our Kentucky legislature for their ongoing efforts to enhance school safety. However, I have some reservations regarding this senate bill. The bill proposes that school districts be permitted to directly employ retired law enforcement officers, recently honorably discharged veterans, and former federal law enforcement officers. Under the proposed legislation, these individuals would undergo training, including the first level of school resource officer training, as well as instruction on firearms proficiency and responding to active shooter situations. Additionally, they would be authorized to carry concealed weapons on school premises. This solution raises a few questions and concerns. One concern pertains to policy and procedures. Currently, School Resource Officers (SROs) are generally employed by a local law enforcement agency and assigned to a school campus. This arrangement typically involves shared payroll costs between the district and the agency, with the agency providing equipment and uniforms. Moreover, the officers adhere to their agency's policies and procedures. Since officers usually work for a county or city agency, they have authority beyond the school grounds, which is useful for welfare checks or home visits, would this authority extend to guardians? Under the current bill, it is assumed that these policy responsibilities would fall on the district. Furthermore, questions arise regarding vehicles; if a guardian drives between campuses, or performs a home visit, would they use a district vehicle equipped with emergency equipment? While I am certain that many of these details will be addressed, it is crucial for school districts to thoroughly consider these factors. As with many decisions, it is imperative that districts take into account these and many other questions before deciding to hire a guardian. #schoolsafety #SROS #Schoolleadership #schoolsecurity #superintendents #schoolboards #EducationLeaders

What role can school resource officers play in quickly responding to violent incidents on campus, and how can their training be optimized to minimize response time and effectively handle situations involving dangerous weapons? Ensuring Student Safety: Stabbing Incident Sparks Dialogue on School Security. A female student at Carver High School in Winston-Salem was stabbed three times with scissors by another student during a fight. The victim was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. The juvenile suspect faces charges of felony assault and misdemeanor weapon possession on campus. The school was briefly placed on HOLD, and the principal emphasized the commitment to student safety. The incident prompts discussions on enhancing school security and responding to violent acts. Key Takeaways: - Preventing Weapon Carrying: Enhance security measures in schools to prevent students from carrying dangerous weapons on campus, ensuring a safe learning environment through rigorous monitoring and preventive strategies. - Optimized School Resource Officer Training: Optimize the training of school resource officers to minimize response time and effectively handle situations involving dangerous weapons, enhancing their role in ensuring the safety of students during violent incidents. - Enhanced Security in Less Monitored Areas: Implement strategies to enhance security in less monitored areas like restrooms, utilizing technology and increased supervision to prevent violent incidents and safeguard students in all areas of the school. #schoolviolence https://lnkd.in/dXDtDxmz

Texas lawmakers have changed school safety policies in the past year, mandating armed guards, panic buttons and more training. The Texas Tribune Nina Banks writes about the new policies https://lnkd.in/g6dJDPp6 #TexasLawmakers #SchoolSafety #PanicButtons #TexasTribune #EducationPolicy #PublicSafety #PolicyChanges

It's imperative that law enforcement agencies don't wait for state or federal mandates/recomendations to prioritize training for Active Violent Incidents (AVI). Each agency must take the lead in this regard. As the Tactical Training Sergeant for the City of Alexandria Police Department, located in Virginia, a suburb of Washington DC, I can firmly attest that 8-hours of annual training falls short of meeting the public's expectations for efficacy in response to these incidents. Regrettably, these criminal acts have become a common every day occurrence. It's no longer a matter of "if," but "when" and "how many" lives law enforcement can save with the appropriate response. Fortunately, APD not only conducts AVI training meeting or exceeding the Uvalde Report DOJ recommendations. Additionally, APD also works with community partners in providing Run, Hide, Fight training as an outreach program. However, even with APD’s high level of commitment to AVI training, it is still not enough. Based on officer performance that TTU has encountered, the recommendations in the report will fall short for meaningful critical incident performance. Robert Opsut Emil Takeuchi Binh Vu Raul E. Pedroso #APD #TTU #AVI #RunHideFight

Today, we are delivering our first ever de-escalation training session to a group of probationary police officers. This group of eleven individuals graduated from the academy under two weeks ago and are now being trained in the only level three de-escalation training currently offered in the United States. Did I mention our training is IADLEST certified also?? Two of our newly trained de-escalation instructors are delivering this training under the observation of one of our senior level 2 trainers for the Mount Vernon, NY Police Department. I had a conversation recently about the value of this training to recruits and if I thought it was applicable. I spoke in favor of bringing this training to individuals either in the police academy or once they graduated from the academy prior to hitting the streets with their FTOs. There is tremendous value to delivering this training to officers at this entry level, just as there is value in ALL the training and practical skills the officers get while in the police academy. De-escalation training is something applicable across all ranks within the policing profession, as in others as well. Why NOT train officers how to rapidly assess a situation with the goal of de-escalation?? To me, it is a no brainer, BUT it means adjusting a way of thinking. We train our officers in the academy how to shoot a firearm, drive defensively, defensive tactics, arrest and control...so why not how to de-escalate?

What role can school resource officers play in quickly responding to violent incidents on campus, and how can their training be optimized to minimize response time and effectively handle situations involving dangerous weapons? Ensuring Student Safety: Stabbing Incident Sparks Dialogue on School Security. A female student at Carver High School in Winston-Salem was stabbed three times with scissors by another student during a fight. The victim was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. The juvenile suspect faces charges of felony assault and misdemeanor weapon possession on campus. The school was briefly placed on HOLD, and the principal emphasized the commitment to student safety. The incident prompts discussions on enhancing school security and responding to violent acts. Key Takeaways: - Preventing Weapon Carrying: Enhance security measures in schools to prevent students from carrying dangerous weapons on campus, ensuring a safe learning environment through rigorous monitoring and preventive strategies. - Optimized School Resource Officer Training: Optimize the training of school resource officers to minimize response time and effectively handle situations involving dangerous weapons, enhancing their role in ensuring the safety of students during violent incidents. - Enhanced Security in Less Monitored Areas: Implement strategies to enhance security in less monitored areas like restrooms, utilizing technology and increased supervision to prevent violent incidents and safeguard students in all areas of the school. #schoolviolence https://lnkd.in/dyzyUKXE