Are School Patrols Key To School Safety?
In the wake of what happened in the Detroit school last week, experts are suggesting one thing: school patrols. In case you did not read my previous post or you have forgotten the details, let me recap. A shooting occurred at Detroit Central High School, where non-students were involved. Naturally, this raises the issue of restricting access to the school premises to outsiders. I think I did not expound on the specific details of the incident but according to Chastity Pratt Dawsley, investigators have released a statement to the effect that a student of Central High fought with another student and then called his older brother for assistance.
I am assuming that it is this brother who was involved in the shooting incident, together with other outsiders who were able to gain access to the school premises. This happened during dismissal time, when foot traffic at the school entrances and exits are at the highest.
One parent has been quoted as saying “They should find a way to get some kind of metal detectors through all points of entry.” While I understand that this would be the immediate thought to enter anyone’s mind, I think that Kenneth Trump’s suggestion is better and perhaps would be more effective. Referring to the bringing of weapons to school, he said that it would be better if we could get students to report any sightings of weapons within the school premises.
Indeed, we already have all sectors crying “foul” over metal detectors in schools. We have those people saying that allowing metal detectors in schools is akin to a military state. We have heard the same thing said of having police officers and school safety officers. So why not foster an atmosphere wherein it would be ok for school children to tell the authorities if there are any weapons in school?
Naturally, this would not be as easy as it sounds. We know how students, teens especially value their code of silence. They do not like “ratting” on their peers.
Perhaps the better solution would be to have volunteer patrols; patrols made up of volunteer students, parents, and other concerned parties. This kind of community effort is what is needed, in my humble opinion. It would also do away with the negativity that seems to be associated with having uniformed policemen patrolling the school grounds.
Do you think that this is an effective method? Or do you have any other suggestions?
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Posted on February 23rd, 2009 by Deborah J Thomas
Filed under: Administrators, High School, K-6, News, Parents, People Involved, School Grade Level, School Safety Issues, Security, Students
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