Armed security guards are now being sought to protect New York schools. Two dozen districts in the NYC area have decided to opt for armed security guards to protect their students. In fact, half of the schools across the United States have school resource officers, and half of those still choose to employ additional security personnel.
From rural to urban areas, shocking incidents are happening in today's schools. More and more schools are facing violent incidents from increased fights to active shooters. Parents have a right to be concerned if they see their children’s school isn't doing enough to protect their students, faculty, and campus.
All levels of educational institutions, no matter their size, should have security measures in place. Those measures might include technology-driven solutions like cameras, metal detectors, and proper identification cards. They should also include professional personnel, like school resource officers and uniformed security guards. These solutions should work together to advance the school’s overall security strategy.
Why Do Schools Need Armed Security Guards?
In the aftermath of a school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, parents demanded that the school employ armed security guards to protect the staff and students from future incidents. Research shows that more than half of all ‘active shooters’ stopped by ‘good guy with a gun’.
However, not everyone agrees that adding more guns to the situation is the solution. This is why Elite Investigations provides armed security guards as well as unarmed guards to help meet the needs of each institution.
What Do Security Guards Do at Schools?
Security guards at schools provide an additional layer of security and become a hub of your security system and strategy. Here’s a quick look at what some security guards do working on school campuses:
- Provide access control to buildings including classrooms, libraries, and athletic facilities.
- Provide mobile patrols to ensure the safety of the perimeter of the campus and its parking lots.
- Escort staff or students onto or off of the property when necessary.
- Coordinate with school administration to implement security protocols and standards.
- Monitor individuals and groups of guests that are welcomed onto school grounds.
- Remove unwanted individuals from school property.
- Document and provide information about any criminal activities to local authorities.
- De-escalate potential altercations between individuals on campus including staff and students.
- Monitor the campus for suspicious activity.
- Be aware of and instrumental in enacting any emergency plans for the institution.
- Provide immediate response in case of any emergency scenario.
Does My School Need Armed Security Guards?
Every situation and every community is different. Many schools are opting for armed security guards to help protect their staff and students from the unimaginable. The truth is, that schools must take responsibility for providing security from common everyday threats like vandalism and theft as well as terrifying threats like active shooters.
No matter what type of threat your institution is facing, a visible uniformed security guard will help prevent problems and assist in handling them when they do occur. Only your community can decide if the better option is an armed security guard or an unarmed guard.
One thing is for sure, you can’t afford to ignore security concerns at educational institutions. Protect your school today by hiring professional security guards.
Hire Security Guards for Your Campus Now
Don’t wait for the unthinkable to put your school in the headlines. Prevent security concerns before they become a problem. Hire New York’s premiere security consulting company, Elite Investigations, to help you ensure the safety of your school today.
Elite Investigations provides both unarmed and armed security guards who are highly trained and ready to secure your campus now. Call (866) 779-5017 or visit online for a free quote.