Armed security guards can provide real-world benefits and peace of mind for students, parents, faculty and administration in school settings. Physical bullying and gun violence have become prevalent public safety concerns in recent years. You can enhance your school’s safety with certified professionals trained to mitigate the risks of violence for children.
The Main Advantages of Armed Security in Schools
There are a wide variety of benefits of hiring an armed school security guard. These five main reasons reveal why you should strongly consider fortifying your school’s security.
1. Increased Overall Vigilance
The presence of private law enforcement in a school setting provides the benefit of consistently keeping watch over students, faculty and guests. Guards and security cameras can help warn the administration about crime and persistent social issues in the classrooms and hallways. This assistance can do everything from stopping theft to helping a depressed student.
2. Violent Crime Response
In the event of a catastrophe like a school shooting, armed guards can potentially disarm or disable the shooter and help prevent loss of life.
The presence of armed security can also help deter violent crime. If a bad actor is considering targeting a school and observes armed guards and security cameras, they can be deterred from this well-fortified location.
3. Bullying Safeguard
Although security guards cannot prevent bullying, they can act as a deterrent and a barrier. If a fight begins, a security guard can safely break it up. If a student feels bullied or threatened, security guards can also serve as safe adults to discuss the problem with when the child feels they have no place else to turn.
4. On-Call Emergency Assistance
Another benefit of armed school security guards is on-call assistance during an emergency. If a student needs CPR or emergency medical care, security guards can be the first ones on the scene to help. They could also raise the alarm for emergency medical technicians to come. Often, a security guard’s ability to respond quickly can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency.
5. Entry and Exit Screening
Security guards can screen strangers and maintenance personnel entering and exiting the building for an added layer of security. They can also provide security checks on bags and any suspicious items brought into the facility by schoolchildren. These checks can often prevent guns and knives from entering school facilities and identify potential bad actors.