School safety has been the #1 issue on the campaign trail. It comes up in the forums I’ve attended and participated in. I’ve also posted about it on social media, and it gets the most comments.
Stakeholder Summary
Research suggests that armed personnel in schools, such as guards, resource officers, or armed teachers do not effectively prevent school shootings. (My research indicates more than 30 states (!!) allow teachers to carry guns under certain conditions – Wisconsin is not one.) They may actually increase casualties. A JAMA study found death rates were 2.83 times higher in schools with armed guards. Major concerns include high costs ($19-23B annually), risk of accidents, negative psychological impact on students, and potential racial profiling. Different approaches recommended include:
- Mental health resources
- Social-emotional learning programs
- Restorative justice practices
- Strong school-community partnerships
- Physical security measures
- Standard emergency response protocols
These are all approaches I’ve been advocating for in my campaign for MMSD School Board.
Notably, studies show unarmed bystanders have been more successful at stopping school shootings than armed guards. The evidence supports a holistic approach to school safety rather than relying on armed personnel.
In the wake of tragic school shooting at Abundant Life, the debate over the effectiveness of armed personnel in schools has intensified. While some argue that armed guards and school resource officers (SROs) provide a necessary layer of protection, others contend that their presence may be counterproductive and even harmful.
I decided to explore the research on armed personnel’s impact in schools. I examined both sides of the argument. I offer a perspective based on the available evidence.
Research on the Impact of Armed Personnel in Schools
Several studies have investigated the relationship between armed personnel in schools and school shootings. A nationwide review of research on school-based policing found “no evidence that there is a safety-promoting component” of school-officer programs 2. This study, led by Benjamin Fisher, an education policy researcher at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, examined various measures of crime and violence and found no significant reductions in schools with armed officers. Another study led by economist Lucy C. Sorensen at the University at Albany found that while SROs may reduce some types of violence, they do not prevent gun violence and related crimes 2. Interestingly, a CBS news report highlighted the lack of conclusive data supporting the claim that armed teachers effectively reduce school shooting incidents 3.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Network Open examined 133 cases of school shootings and attempted school shootings from 1980 to 2019 4. The study found that the presence of an armed guard was not associated with a significant reduction in the rate of injuries. In fact, the rate of deaths was 2.83 times greater in schools with an armed guard present, after controlling for factors such as location and school characteristics 4. This finding suggests that armed personnel may not be effective in preventing or mitigating school shootings and could potentially exacerbate the situation.
Concerns and Criticisms Regarding Armed Personnel in Schools
Opponents of armed personnel in schools raise several concerns.
Financial Costs
One significant concern is the financial cost associated with placing armed guards in every school. A 2013 report estimated that the cost of placing an armed SRO in every elementary and secondary school in the United States would range from $19.1 to $22.6 billion annually 5. This substantial financial burden could divert resources from other essential programs, such as mental health services and academic support, which may be more effective in preventing school violence.
Potential for Accidents and Misuse of Weapons
Another major concern is the potential for accidents or misuse of weapons. Introducing firearms into a school environment increases the risk of accidental discharges, theft, or misuse by unauthorized individuals 6. This risk is particularly concerning given the limited training that armed school staff typically receive compared to law enforcement officers 7.
Psychological Impact on Students
The presence of armed guards can create an atmosphere of fear and anxiety, making students feel less safe. This can be particularly detrimental to younger students who may feel intimidated by the presence of armed adults. Moreover, research has shown that such measures can harm students’ trust in educators and undermine a positive school climate 9. This erosion of trust can make it difficult for educators to create a safe and supportive environment for students and may discourage students from reporting concerns or seeking help.
Potential for Racial Profiling and Escalation of Conflicts
Studies have shown that the presence of armed personnel in schools can lead to disproportionate targeting of minority students, resulting in higher rates of disciplinary actions and arrests 6. This can further exacerbate existing inequalities and create a hostile environment for students of color.
Lack of Support from Law Enforcement and SRO Associations
It is important to note that even law enforcement agencies and school resource officer associations oppose the idea of arming teachers 7. They argue that teachers lack the training and experience to effectively respond to an active shooter situation and that their presence could create confusion and increase the risk of harm to both themselves and students.
Potential for Conflicts Between School Administration and SROs
Another challenge associated with armed officers in schools is the potential for conflict between school administrators and SROs who do not report to the principal 10. This can create confusion and hinder effective communication and coordination in school safety efforts.
Psychological Trauma for Armed Teachers
Arming teachers also raises concerns about the potential psychological trauma they may experience if they are forced to use their weapons 11. Taking a human life, especially that of a current or former student, can have devastating emotional and psychological consequences for the individual involved.
Unarmed Bystanders More Effective Than Armed Guards
Perhaps the most striking finding is that unarmed bystanders have been more successful in stopping school shootings than armed guards 12. This challenges the assumption that armed personnel are the most effective way to stop an active shooter and suggests that other factors, such as community response and intervention, may play a more significant role.
Alternative Approaches to School Safety
Given the concerns surrounding armed personnel in schools, many experts advocate for alternative approaches to school safety. These approaches focus on creating a supportive and inclusive school environment that addresses the root causes of violence. Some of the key alternative approaches include:
Increased Access to Mental Health and Counseling Resources
Providing students with access to mental health professionals can help identify and address underlying issues that may contribute to violent behavior 9. This includes increasing the number of school counselors, psychologists, and social workers, as well as establishing partnerships with community mental health providers.
Social and Emotional Learning Programs
These programs help students develop essential social and emotional skills, such as empathy, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation, which can reduce aggression and promote positive behavior 14. SEL programs can be integrated into the curriculum or offered as standalone activities and can be tailored to different age groups and developmental needs.
Restorative Practices
Restorative justice programs focus on repairing harm and building relationships rather than punishment. They provide opportunities for students to take responsibility for their actions and make amends, fostering a sense of community and accountability 13. Restorative practices can be used to address a wide range of conflicts and disciplinary issues and can involve students, staff, and families.
Stronger School-Family-Community Partnerships
Building strong relationships between schools, families, and communities can create a more supportive and nurturing environment for students, reducing the risk of violence 13. This includes regular communication, parent involvement in school activities, and collaboration with community organizations to provide resources and support to students and families.
Physical Security Measures
While the focus should be on creating a positive and supportive school climate, physical security measures also play a role in school safety. This includes secured perimeters, limited access points, and surveillance monitoring 15. Schools should also have clear emergency protocols and conduct regular drills to prepare for various crisis situations.
Standard Response Protocol
The Standard Response Protocol (SRP) is a comprehensive, adaptable framework for responding to various emergencies, including active shooter situations. SRP emphasizes a clear, universally understood set of directives – Lockout, Lockdown, Evacuate, Shelter, and Hold – that equip students and staff to respond effectively to different types of emergencies.
Partnering with First Responders and Conducting Site Assessments
Schools should partner with local first responder agencies to develop and practice emergency plans and conduct regular site assessments to identify potential security vulnerabilities 17. This collaboration can ensure a coordinated and effective response in the event of a crisis.
Positive School Climate
A positive school climate is essential for overall school safety 18. This includes fostering a sense of belonging, promoting respect and inclusivity, and providing students with opportunities to develop social and emotional skills. A positive school climate can reduce bullying, improve student behavior, and create a more welcoming and supportive learning environment.
Holistic Approach to School Safety
It is important to emphasize that a holistic approach to school safety should focus on creating an environment free from fear and intimidation 19. This means addressing the social and emotional aspects of school safety, not just the physical security measures. By creating a supportive and inclusive school climate, schools can reduce the risk of violence and promote the well-being of all students.
Perspective on the Impact of Armed Personnel in Schools
Based on the available research and expert opinions, it appears that armed personnel in schools have little to no positive impact on school shootings and may actually have the opposite effect. Studies have shown that armed guards do not significantly reduce the incidence of gun violence in schools and may even increase the number of casualties in the event of a shooting 4. Moreover, the presence of armed personnel can create a climate of fear and anxiety, disproportionately impact minority students, and divert resources from other essential school safety measures.
While the goal of protecting students is paramount, relying solely on armed personnel is not an effective solution 4. A more comprehensive approach that prioritizes mental health support, social and emotional learning, restorative practices, and community partnerships is likely to be more effective in preventing school shootings and creating a safe and supportive learning environment for all students 19.
Conclusion
The debate over armed personnel in schools is complex and multifaceted. While the desire to protect students is understandable, the evidence suggests that armed guards are not the answer. Instead, schools should focus on creating a holistic approach to safety that addresses the root causes of violence and fosters a positive and supportive learning environment 19. By investing in mental health resources, social and emotional learning, restorative practices, and community partnerships, schools can create a safer and more nurturing environment for all students.
This research has significant implications for policy and practice. School districts and state governments should prioritize funding for alternative school safety measures, such as mental health services, SEL programs, and restorative justice initiatives. They should also provide guidance and support to schools in implementing these approaches and evaluating their effectiveness. Further research is needed to examine the long-term impact of these alternative approaches and to identify best practices for creating safe and supportive learning environments for all students.
About Bret Wagner’s Campaign for Madison School Board Seat 3
Bret Wagner brings engineering expertise to his campaign. He also offers classroom experience. He is running for Madison Metropolitan School Board Seat 3. As both a former teacher and parent of two MMSD students, he understands our schools from multiple perspectives. His campaign focuses on three key priorities: ensuring every child gets what they need to succeed, supporting teachers as trusted professionals, and using data wisely to make smart decisions about our schools’ future.
Learn more at bretwagner.com. Follow us on Facebook . Volunteer or donate.
Works cited
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12. Do Armed Guards Prevent School Shootings? – The Trace, accessed January, 2025, https://www.thetrace.org/2023/08/guns-armed-guards-school-shootings/
13. Keeping Students Safe: Policies and Practices that Work, accessed January, 2025, https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/blog/transforming-schools-keeping-students-safe-policies-practices-work
14. Safe Schools, Thriving Students: What We Know About Creating Safe and Supportive Schools | Learning Policy Institute, accessed January, 2025, https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/product/safe-schools-thriving-students-report
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17. Timeless School Safety Strategies, accessed January, 2025, https://rems.ed.gov/docs/Timeless-Strategies-Fact-Sheet_508C.pdf
18. Five Things About Comprehensive Approaches to School Safety, accessed January, 2025, https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/five-things-about-comprehensive-approaches-school-safety19. to School Safety, accessed January 30, 2025, https://www.schoolsecurity.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/A-Holistic-Approach-to-School-Safety-April-2019.pdf