Street Smart

I read an article a couple weeks ago about an “Active Shooter” training scenario that was conducted at an elementary school in Indiana. During that training, some of the teachers were actually shot with air soft projectiles used in the training and complained about it after the exercise. Apparently, it hurt too much. I’ve been shot with those things and they do sting. However, they absolutely add a level of realism to the training … that’s why we used them!

I’ve conducted that sort of training and the article I mentioned made me wonder if the teachers in this scenario had the ability to shoot back with their own air soft weapons. It was that thought that brought to light a bigger debate: Should we allow teachers in our schools to be armed? I’m somewhat conflicted by this topic but reluctantly lean in favor of arming our teachers with several conditions.

In our town, we’re blessed to have Officer Bob Thornhill as our School Resource Officer (SRO). He knows and cares about the students. In addition to being a trained police officer, he is also a combat veteran. I know Officer Thornhill and am confident that if things go sideways, he’ll respond appropriately. But what if he’s not there when things do go wrong? What happens when there’s no one else to confront a shooter?

I mentioned Officer Thornhill’s background and training. Extensive training is a critical component when considering a policy to arm teachers. I think everyone would agree that not everyone should carry a gun. That said, I know there are very capable people in the teaching ranks who could be an asset in an emergency. I’m not suggesting that firearms training be added to a list of qualifications to teach, but I think we should at least ask them. We should learn about each teacher’s background and consider the possibilities. Maybe there are some former police officers or combat veterans who have transitioned to teaching. Those people have already received the sort of training I described above. I’m not suggesting prior law enforcement or military experience as a prerequisite; there may be equally qualified people interested in such a program. I think it’s an idea that gives us an option regarding school security.

So now we’ve identified the qualified person, what next? The absolute first step should be to ask them if carrying a firearm on their campus is something they’d be willing to do. We need to consider this carefully for the following and very unique reason. A shooting confrontation at a school by a teacher or SRO would quite probably not be like a “typical” law enforcement or military engagement. There would be a very strong likelihood that the armed teacher/SRO might know or even have a personal relationship with the person he/she was forced to confront. I don’t even know how I’d ask that question and is there really a valid answer? As painful as that is, it must be considered and the question asked.

Next is training and policy. Those actually are relatively easy once the right people are identified. Training has to be thorough and consistent in order to be valid. Policy is the same. Local law enforcement could facilitate all of that.

I know I’m going to get a significant amount of push back on this and I get it. Opinions are going to be all over the map on this one. I’m certainly not saying that I’m right…only that, if forced to state a position, I’m in favor of arming teachers who are qualified and willing to assume the responsibility rather than not having any security at all. Please understand though, for me, it’s an absolute contradiction to have armed teachers in our classrooms. I don’t like it and it shouldn’t even be a topic for discussion. However, I base my opinions on facts and as a former boss of mine used to say, “it is what it is." Now we have to deal with it.

Some are going to argue that we should just ban firearms. To them I’d say, face the facts, that is simply not going to happen. If placing a ban on something truly worked, prohibition and the war on drugs would be success stories. They’re not! It didn’t work on alcohol or drugs and it won’t work on firearms. Add the Second Amendment to that equation and maybe you’ll realize that you have to adjust your thinking and visualize another plan.

The potential for a school shooting is a reality we have to face and prepare for, not something we can deny. I don’t know if arming teachers is right for our town, but it is something we should think about and discuss.

Blaine Blackstone is a retired Los Angeles Police Sergeant who enjoys the simpler life in Thompson Falls. He can be reached by email at [email protected].