NM Schools Consider Armed Security Guards

NM Schools Consider Armed Security Guards

Rio Rancho Public Schools already has school resource officers on campuses, but the armed security guards would be employed by the district.

  • By Jessica Davis
  • September 18, 2018

As school shootings continue to occur across the country, many school districts are increasing their security measures to keep students and faculty safe. Rio Rancho Public Schools in New Mexico is among the districts considering adding armed security guards to its campuses.

“We really want to do everything we can in our power to ensure that we are keeping our students safe,” Rio Rancho Public Schools spokesperson Beth Pendergrass said.

Rio Rancho Public Schools already has school resource officers on campuses, but the armed security guards would be employed by the district.

According to a Rio Rancho spokesperson, 2,700 parents and almost 600 staff members responded to a survey asking for input on the decision.

“We know there are strong feelings on either side of the issue, so we wanted to make sure we really involved our parents in our community and gathered their input and feedback before the board made a decision on this,” Pendergrass said.

Some parents were undecided, but many felt that getting feedback from parents was a good step. Parents also felt that open communication between parents, students, and staff was vital for security on campuses.

“The kids are usually the ones who know who you need to watch out for, who is dangerous, who is not stable, who is the one who has a problem with another kid,” mother Katy Cramer said.

Rio Rancho Public Schools will present the results of the survey at a school board work session on Sept. 24, and the board could vote on armed security guards as early as Oct. 8.

According to Pendergrass, the current budget included arming school security, so if the change is approved, it could happen this school year.

About the Author

Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.

Featured

  • Electrified Latch Retraction Locks Key Benefits for Retrofits

    Building owners and facility managers increasingly rely on electrified hardware to enhance security while meeting accessibility standards. Among these technologies, electrified or motorized latch retraction locks are especially effective for retrofit projects where existing door and frame conditions complicate upgrades. Latch retraction capable locks combine security, accessibility and code compliance benefits, making them ideal for retrofitting fire-rated and non-rated openings in schools, healthcare facilities, commercial buildings and more. Read Now

  • How Cloud Security Solutions Are Transforming Campus Safety

    Campus administrators today face a challenging mandate: deliver stronger security across their facilities while working within tighter budget constraints. From school districts focused on student safety to hospitals protecting patients and staff, the question remains the same: how do you build security infrastructure that evolves with your needs without requiring massive capital investments? Read Now

  • Rethinking Campus Security From the Inside

    For decades, campus security strategies focused on keeping threats outside school walls. But since the tragedy at Columbine High School, data has shown that many attacks begin inside the building, often in classrooms and corridors. This shift has prompted schools to rethink security from the inside and place greater emphasis on interior elements such as classroom doors. This shift is evidenced by a new generation of classroom door systems engineered to delay inside intruders and an ASTM standard that raises the bar on how these systems must be designed to defend against attack. Read Now

  • AI in Security: Advancing Campus Safety and Considerations for Implementing

    Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to capture attention across every sector, and the physical security industry is no exception. Once seen as experimental, AI-enabled analytics now underpin how organizations monitor environments, detect threats, and make decisions. What was once futuristic is now a practical necessity for safety professionals managing growing volumes of data, tighter resources, and increasing expectations for faster, more accurate responses. Read Now

Most   Popular