Elementary School Security: Should It Be Increased?

On a crisp December Friday, a lone gunman walked onto an elementary school campus in Newtown, Conn., and began a rampage that would ultimately end the lives of 20 children, all between the ages of 6 and 7, and seven adults – himself included.

As the grim news unfolded, people across America sat glued to the latest media reports on the internet and television. Most asked why this happened. Some desperately sought answers to the question of how such a shooting could occur in the first place. Sanity questions aside, they wanted to know how a gunman could get onto a secured campus and wreak such havoc.

That’s the question local law enforcement seems to have been wrestling with, as well.

As law enforcement continues to unravel the details of Friday’s massacre, officers in some local counties aren’t taking any chances. The Hillsborough and Pasco County Sheriff’s Offices and the Tampa Police Department have announced increased patrols at local elementary schools. Other Bay area agencies haven't announced their plans.

Some parents are applauding the decision. Others are saying it’s not necessary.

“There is no threat and all the hype won't make a difference,” said Fern, a Brandon Patch reader, on a story about the increased patrols. “Then it will all die down people will revert to what they always do and then unfortunately some crazy person will strike again.”

Here’s what we’d like to get your opinion on Tampa Bay: What steps do you think should be taken to prevent such a tragedy from happening here? Do you think it’s time for elementary schools to have their own school resource officers like middle and high school campuses have in many counties? Do you think enough is being done already? Share your thoughts in the comments section.