In Response to Fears, Schools Deploy Armed Police to Prevent Gun Violence

In March 2023, a false alarm about a potential gunman at two separate Catholic high schools in Pittsburgh prompted a chaotic evacuation and significant police response. This incident led the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh to reconsider what defines a safe learning environment.

In response, the diocese began developing its own armed police force. Wendell Hissrich, a former safety director and FBI unit chief, was appointed to establish a department responsible for the safety of 39 Catholic schools and numerous churches across the region. Since then, the team has expanded to include 15 officers and four supervisors, with many recruits being retired officers and state troopers. These officers are now tasked with overseeing campuses equipped with medical kits, surveillance systems, and defibrillators.

Originally approached by religious leaders for advice following these “swatting” events, Hissrich had no hesitation in urging them to place armed officers in schools. However, he emphasizes that these officers should regard their roles as specialized assignments. “I want them to be role models,” he said, stressing the need for officers to understand how to engage with students and parents effectively while de-escalating tense situations.

Gun violence remains a leading cause of death among youth in the United States, inciting difficult decisions within school systems attempting to balance safety concerns, operational responsibilities, and alarming statistics. The risks became starkly apparent again in early September when a teenager allegedly opened fire in a Georgia high school, tragically taking the lives of two students and two teachers.

Despite the increased presence of armed officers in schools, research on the effectiveness of such measures in preventing gun violence is limited. While a significant portion of firearm fatalities in the U.S. are suicides, issues surrounding gun violence soared during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly affecting Black children, who face firearm assaults at a rate 100 times higher than their white peers.

The calls for caution are underscored by studies examining racial biases in policing and biased disciplinary actions in schools. A notable analysis by the U.S. Secret Service of 67 thwarted school attack plots from 2006 to 2018 noted that many students attempting violence had easy access to firearms at home. Moreover, schools employing sworn law officers as resource officers were shown to have some advantages, as these personnel were crucial in resolving about a third of the disrupted plots.

“Most schools aren’t likely to face a mass shooting,” stated Mo Canady, executive director of the National Association of School Resource Officers. He acknowledged the rising frequency of such tragedies but reminded administrators that they must remain vigilant and proactive in their security preparations.

Meanwhile, just north of Pittsburgh, the North Allegheny School District opted to significantly increase its security presence. Last year, Superintendent Brendan Hyland transitioned from a two-officer resource team supported by local police to establish a dedicated internal force of 13 officers stationed across the district’s 12 schools.

Despite concerns from some school board members about the implications of armed officers in educational settings, the board ultimately approved the measure, estimating the annual cost at around $1 million. Hyland emphasized that the goal is to support the staff and the 8,500 students by ensuring a suitable and trained presence in the schools.

North Allegheny also seeks to maintain a standard of vigilance without resorting to metal detectors, which some districts feel are necessary. Instead, the focus is on well-trained officers who understand the buildings and can build trust among the students and the school community. Hyland expressed a desire to be proactive rather than reactive, stating that he didn’t want to face questions about inaction after a potential tragedy.

The topic of police presence in schools gained renewed attention after the 2020 murder of George Floyd, which fueled national protests against police brutality and entrenched racial bias. Some school districts in major urban centers, including Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., responded by reducing or eliminating their school resource officers. However, recent events have led to parents advocating for the return of these officers in several states.

Historical incidents, including the Columbine High School shooting in 1999 and the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012, often underscore the need for preparedness. Yet, the effectiveness of police presence in schools came under scrutiny following the tragic events at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, in 2022, where inadequate response protocols were criticized extensively.

The Department of Justice released a detailed report documenting the failures of the school police chief during the Uvalde shooting. The ensuing investigation resulted in charges against officers who were found to have endangered students by failing to respond promptly.

Furthermore, there have been intensified efforts to enforce laws regarding firearm storage and to hold parents accountable if their children gain access to guns used in shootings. This year marked a significant moment in legal accountability when parents of a teenager who shot and killed four students in Michigan were convicted of involuntary manslaughter for failing to secure the firearm in their home.

Recent developments took a startling turn in Georgia, where the father of a teenage shooter was charged with second-degree murder following the suspect’s apprehension after a school shooting incident. The shooting suspect now faces charges for his alleged actions.

Hissrich, director of safety and security for the Pittsburgh diocese, carries significant experience in managing responses to potential gun violence, reflecting on training conducted in the Jewish community prior to the tragic Tree of Life synagogue shooting in October 2018. The event, where 11 lives were lost, illustrated the vital importance of preparation and coordination in the face of such tragedies. Hissrich advocates for comprehensive training and strategic planning for schools, cautioning against deploying armed officers without adequate preparation.

Source: various news outlets