Should Schools Have Armed Guards?

December 11, 2024

School safety is a vital consideration in the United States — especially as it pertains to gun violence. Children’s lives are at risk as the number of school shootings has maintained a steady upward trajectory for more than a decade. Families demand solutions. One of the most prominent school safety solutions on the table is staffing schools with armed security guards. While the topic is contentious, many remain firm that we need armed security guards in schools.

Are Schools Safer With Armed Guards?

The debate over placing armed security guards or school resource officers (SROs) in schools revolves around safety. Advocates believe armed SROs will give students a fighting chance in the event of a shooting.

Research into the topic leaves room for discussion. Those who disagree with the solution cite studies that purport armed security officers detract from school safety and result in more casualties after the incident begins. Other studies contend that the presence of armed security risks the overall quality of education by drastically increasing punitive actions that remove students from the classroom.

However, other research links SROs with a decline in various forms of school violence and increased detection of firearms — outcomes that make schools safer for students and staff. Additionally, the same researchers who claim armed security makes schools less safe concede that their research cannot account for instances where SROs prevented shootings from occurring, nor does it consider important community characteristics. Armed security could stop some of the most deadly situations before they begin.

Parents and Educators Want Armed Security Guards in Schools

The research around armed school security often deviates from public perception. It is clear that physical bullying and gun violence have become prevalent public safety concerns in recent years. Such safety concerns lead many to believe that schools should have armed guards. One survey found that over 85% of middle and high school teachers feel safer with an SRO on campus.

Voters and legislators nationwide echo the sentiment that armed school security is a requirement in Texas schools. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania legislators passed a bill that would mandate at least one armed SRO in all schools. A poll shows that 69% of Pennsylvania voters support the idea. In Colorado, the decision to staff armed SROs is up to the district, but even Denver schools that removed armed security officers are bringing them back.

9 Reasons Why Schools Should Have Armed Guards

There are a wide variety of reasons to hire an armed school security guard. These nine main benefits reveal why district leaders should consider armed SROs as a school safety solution.

1. Reliable school surveillance: Armed SROs provide a full-time security monitoring solution during school hours.
2. Effective crime deterrence: The presence of armed security can deter potential offenders.
3. Timely incident response: On-campus security guards are on the scene faster than local law enforcement.
4. Reduced incident impact: SROs are trained to de-escalate conflicts of any magnitude.
5. Friendlier student relations: Armed school officers can reduce bullying.
6. Enhanced law education: SROs build relationships with students that help them understand and follow the law.
7. Comprehensive emergency solutions: Armed school security guards can also respond to various medical emergencies and mental health dilemmas.
8. Vigilant entry screening: SROs work to ensure any person or item that enters the building is safe for students.
9. Greater peace of mind: Armed security can help students, faculty and parents feel at ease during the school day.

Vigilant Tiger Provides Armed Security for Schools

Businesses and schools throughout Colorado choose Vigilant Tiger Services. Our founder, Donny Hamilton, is a retired United States Army captain and Special Forces operative who instills military values into everything we do. Our extensively trained security guards have CPR and basic life support certifications and pass full background checks. Many also hold Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certifications. Bolstering safety is essential given today’s violence statistics, and Vigilant Tiger is equipped to help. Give us a call at (719) 313-2950 or contact us online to discuss your options.