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.
I agree there should be at least one School Resource Officer/Police Officer in a school. I know we had one at my school K-12. And you got to know him early, and he wasn't an off-duty officer his job was to be at the school for 8 hours and else were for the rest of his shift. I don't see why it can't be the case in all schools. It also introduces kids to the police in a non-threatening manner.
Our country makes excuses before they try. If nothing comes of this, and there is another shooting, my faith in this country to protect our children would be gone but i will know that I tried all that I could.
Police would be a start....I am not a gun enthusiasts but I do know from years as a former police officer that most guns that are used in crimes are not registered to the criminal and obtained properly or legally for that matter, and in the Ct case the guns were taken from his mother. I am a parent of 3 children and these senseless acts of violence break my heart and make me worry for their safety growing up exposed to so many horribe things...this certainly hits home.
So what does locking the doors accomplish. Removes a escape if their is a fire, and way to escape if there is another shooter. Lets be logical in how to address this problem. The school in his shooting had cameras which are great after the fact. But most school boards aren't going to have a person manning security cameras, when those resources are better suited elsewhere. Intercoms are great if used. I thank the panic button is veasible and a school resource officer might be able to remove or limit the damage by another threat.
This is a good agrument. I disagree with you that this is the best solution, but at least it is an open to conversation. I hope you do well in your meeting with local administrations.
There is not enough money in the world to cure the disease of today's society. Good luck with that one. Secure our schools with gun-safe windows and doors that cannot get broken into. And police at all elementary schools.
www.facebook.com/grancops www.grancops.com I want to thank my sons principal, Mr James Pribble, for taking the time from his day to talk to a concerned parent. I was afraid, to be honest, that when I sat down and finally discussed this as a reality it would be pushed aside and told they are handling it. Go home Mr. Fahey. But it didn't. If that happens at the school you go to, go on to the next. We sat down and he listened to my concern, thoughts and we discussed the best options for the children. We talked about what they have in place now and what is needed. I explained to him my idea and the needs, discussed the local police (thanks again to Chief Robert Vincent for your guidance and information), discussed pros/cons and I told him that I really wanted my sons school to be was the pilot to launch. He told me he wanted it to be a start of something that would propagate. Do not be afraid to start this for the Protectors and Angels of Last Friday. Ask the school, talk to local law and go to the school board. Sit in the office and wait. I would have waited in that seat to see Mr Pribble for days if I thought it would make a difference. This is NOT about gun control or mental illness. It is about protection. I do not want a band aid I want to know my child is safe.
At my local schools I have witnessed several lax policies and although there may be heightened awareness now, what about in January when the kids return? We need to ask for a change that will stick.