NRA Speech Sparks Discussion of Guns in Schools
By: Brittney
Updated: December 21, 2012
Friday's NRA speech concerning gun violence following Sandy Hook left many wondering if having armed officers in every school would be safe or even feasible. Some districts say it's still too early to say what their next step will be, many are still bouncing around ideas for upgrades, but adding more armed police could be costly.
For example, the Little Rock School District,has 16 police officers in schools now. The district pays roughly $2700 a month for each resource officer. If they were to have at least one at each of its 48 schools, that would add up to over $130,000 a month and some parents are asking if it would be worth it.
On the way to the ice rink Friday afternoon, 7-year-old Jack Barnes was on a mission.
The most fun thing about you is sometimes I fall," he said.
His grandparents' biggest goal is keeping him safe. It's the reason Bill Mayfield became a Watch Dog granddad a year ago, a move that's helped teachers feel even more secure on the heels of the tragedy at Sandy Hook elementary.
"If something like that were to happen in Cabot they'd have to come through me first," says Bill Mayfield.
But Watch Dog dads and grand dads are not armed. While some parents say they wouldn't want teachers carrying guns, the Fetters share four children but mixed opinions over the need for armed officers in schools.
"A police officer that's a completely different story, if it's a police officer that would make me feel safe," says Rachel Fetter.
"It's more than the schools, it's the mall, the movie theaters, all the different places you just want to take your kids and be able to enjoy and you shouldn't have to worry about getting hurt," Evan Fetter says.
But most parents do worry and now they're hoping something happens to calm their fears soon.
"I'm glad Christmas vacay is here and maybe it will give us time to settle or cooling down to reflect," says Mayfield.
While they think about safety, they're thrilled Jack is focused on Santa.
Instead of arming guards with guns some parents suggested using tasers, to stop a gunmen or using marked patrol cars on school grounds to deter potential threats.
For example, the Little Rock School District,has 16 police officers in schools now. The district pays roughly $2700 a month for each resource officer. If they were to have at least one at each of its 48 schools, that would add up to over $130,000 a month and some parents are asking if it would be worth it.
On the way to the ice rink Friday afternoon, 7-year-old Jack Barnes was on a mission.
The most fun thing about you is sometimes I fall," he said.
His grandparents' biggest goal is keeping him safe. It's the reason Bill Mayfield became a Watch Dog granddad a year ago, a move that's helped teachers feel even more secure on the heels of the tragedy at Sandy Hook elementary.
"If something like that were to happen in Cabot they'd have to come through me first," says Bill Mayfield.
But Watch Dog dads and grand dads are not armed. While some parents say they wouldn't want teachers carrying guns, the Fetters share four children but mixed opinions over the need for armed officers in schools.
"A police officer that's a completely different story, if it's a police officer that would make me feel safe," says Rachel Fetter.
"It's more than the schools, it's the mall, the movie theaters, all the different places you just want to take your kids and be able to enjoy and you shouldn't have to worry about getting hurt," Evan Fetter says.
But most parents do worry and now they're hoping something happens to calm their fears soon.
"I'm glad Christmas vacay is here and maybe it will give us time to settle or cooling down to reflect," says Mayfield.
While they think about safety, they're thrilled Jack is focused on Santa.
Instead of arming guards with guns some parents suggested using tasers, to stop a gunmen or using marked patrol cars on school grounds to deter potential threats.
Comments
I would like to know how many more rights will the people in this country let be taken from them!! What happened in that school was awful and very sad. However, this is not the first time something like this has happened!! The answer is not gun control!!! The states should not have to pay for armed personal!! We would not be the first country to put armed guards at entry points of our schools. In many places there are guards posted outside. I think a criminal or person meaning to cause harm to someone else can always get a gun!! If the goverrnment can't stop drugs from coming into the USA, what makes these stupid people that guns will stop coming into the US?? This is crazy to me!! People are willing to give up their rights as Americans to be sitting ducks for criminals and the such. If the states can't pay for police let us call in the national guard!! The government and schools are sooo worried about what kids are wearing to school and whether they talk in the classroom when they should be worried about which school is next on these crazy peoples minds!!! Like i said this isnt the first time, this isnt a new prblem!! This has happened in serveral schools!!! If we put the blame where it goes (the gunman) and stop trying to make up superficial things we might be able to protect our children from this ever happening again!!
Andrea T.
December 22, 2012 at 9:08 pm
