Legislation that would implement a security presence with an armed, retired police officer in all publicly funded schools in Pennsylvania was introduced by Rep. Mike Regan (R-York/Cumberland) today.
“The presence of a highly trained, retired law enforcement officer would add a significant measure of security in our schools, and would go a long way toward putting our parents’ and children’s minds at ease,” said Regan. “This is a well thought-out measure that does not overreact and seek to create a climate of unease, but will provide students, teachers and administrators with a professional who can monitor safety procedures and be trusted to react effectively and responsibly in a crisis.”
House Bill 896 would require officers to undergo a complete background investigation and be annually certified in position-specific training. Their primary responsibility would be to screen visitors for weapons and detect threats before allowing entrance into the school.
Regan said that the officers would also maintain direct lines of communication with school officials and local law enforcement, and be able to provide real-time information to local law enforcement in the event of an incident. Additionally, the officers would coordinate school security drills, and review and make recommendations regarding the school’s disaster response and emergency management plan. “They have to maintain their firearms proficiency training, which I think is due twice a year. The thought is there would be implantation of active shooter training where they’re trained to confront an active intruder.”
Regan, a retired United States Marshal, said that there are many advantages to working with men and women who have already had experience as police officers.
“These officers have already been tested in stressful situations throughout their careers,” said Regan. “Bringing this expertise and professionalism to a school setting could only result in a safer environment. Many law enforcement officers are able to retire after 25 years of service at a relatively young age,” added Regan. “In addition to their experience, they have health care and pension benefits already derived from their original positions, thus relieving school districts and the Commonwealth of that added expense. I believe this is the most cost-effective and efficient way to protect our children and our teachers while they are in school.”
The bill has been referred to the House Education Committee. They have to bring it to a vote and if passed, then it would be up to lawmakers to pass it.
“I can’t think of anything that is more important than protecting our kids,” said Regan.
“There’s children being killed, that could have happened here at our school. We would definitely want to have an armed guard,” said Parent Shenina Orr from York. She says it seems like a good idea but the lack of funding is questionable. “If the state is going to put it there then the state should be paying for it. If that’s what they want then they should do it. It shouldn’t come out of taxpayer pockets. It shouldn’t hurt our schools. It should help the schools,” said Orr.
Right now the bill is an unfunded mandate but one option would be the Passport For Learning Grant. Under Governor Tom Corbett’s budget proposal for next year if the state’s lottery system is sold, money would go to public schools. One of the subdivisions is school security so that would be one potential funding stream.
20 Comments to “New proposal would put retired police officers in all public schools”
March 7, 2013 at 2:13 PM
The way pensions work for Retired PA State Police precludes them from working in a different state job without putting their police retirement in jeopardy. I wonder if the Representative has looked into that?
March 7, 2013 at 2:13 PM
The way pensions work for Retired PA State Police precludes them from working in a different state job without putting their police retirement in jeopardy. I wonder if the Representative has looked into that?
March 7, 2013 at 2:25 PM
So, he thinks Catholic school students are more deserving of death? Be a lot cheaper to train and arm a few volunteer teachers, but that wouldn’t make jobs and raise taxes.
March 7, 2013 at 6:01 PM
All retired Officers are not State Police theres alot of other departments in the state
March 7, 2013 at 6:02 PM
Read a little closer, the representative states retired police officers. Pa State Police Troopers are not called officers. They are called troopers. Our son is a Pa State Trooper, therefore I know this. Our city police officers are the officers he speaks of. Hiring retired police officers would be wonderful. I work as a school nurse in our city schools. I am all for this !
March 7, 2013 at 7:28 PM
The comment was a general statement not all encompassing. I am sure that the representative does not intend retired troopers from an opportunity for these positions and as such, I suggested that he needs to look into the retirement conflict.
I simply said I wondered if he looked into the pension issues for retired PSP.
By the way, my husband served many years with the PSP and retired from the organization.
You are correct that they are called troopers but it is also correct to refer to them as police officers or law enfircement officers.
The following comes directly from their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/PA-State-Troopers/…
About.
PA state troopers are police officers who patrol the highways and otherwise un-policed areas of pennsylvania
they are the "soldiers of the law"
March 7, 2013 at 7:30 PM
That is I am sure the representative does not intend to eliminate retired troopers from an opportunity for these positions…
March 7, 2013 at 7:35 PM
Was simply pointing out that if a retired state police officer is interested there may be a conflict and wondered of he had considered that.
Also, yes, they are called troopers but they are also police officers or law enforcement officers.
March 7, 2013 at 9:56 PM
If you think that a retired cop would help secure a school then you need your head examined. They can’t be trusted with securing our streets or property.
March 7, 2013 at 11:36 PM
One off duty police officer hit an elderly lady that was a pedestrian and now will he get away with that?He was a PA. State Trooper!
March 8, 2013 at 8:36 PM
Very sad, however , without knowing the whole story I will give him the benefit of doubt. Accidents happen every day to people from all walks of life.
March 7, 2013 at 11:49 PM
Costs? Remember that crossing guards and other support personnel are cut first in budget reductions.
Only Public Schools?
Not on the buses and bus stops? Danger comes from within the ranks, too.
Is the formula the same for a school with 200 students as it is for a school with 1000 students?
What about after school hours? Many secondary buildings have huge populations after school. Why doesn't the mall have armed security officers/troopers?
The time has come to have all students home schooled via the Internet. Hell, they love texting, why not text the lessons? Oh yea baby, it's time to start using the computer to teach them at home. Think of the amazing savings, safety and conveniences for the majority.
Let the bashing begin.
March 7, 2013 at 11:52 PM
And traffic congestion / gas costs would be much much lower.
March 8, 2013 at 10:56 AM
Another knee-jerk piece of legislation that has not been thoroughly researched and thought out. Too many duties to perform and no consideration given to pension restraints. Back to the drawing board before enacting this.
March 8, 2013 at 11:25 PM
Ms Orr says the state not taxpayers should foot the bill for this program. Who wants to tell her where the state gets its money? The lack of critical thinking and basic understanding of civics, economics, etc., in this state/country is astounding.
March 12, 2013 at 2:07 PM
How dare you all. These are our children. Do you suppose we leave them with no security. Worry about our taxes. We have six thousand tax payers in our district if we put 4 it would cost about 33.00 per bill. Arming teachers yeah ok. Did you ask them if they were ok with putting their life on the line. Here's a novel idea why don't you ask a child if they would feel better with someone protecting them or if they feel ok when parents wave bye and leave them with nothing. Forgot its about taxes not kids.
March 12, 2013 at 2:10 PM
Knee jerk reaction. This has been happening for years. It is time we worry about our children. Ps skip a vacation you jerk
March 12, 2013 at 3:57 PM
Knee jerk reaction means one done w/o research and planning. It does not mean not to do it, just do it right. Skip a vacation you jerk? Fast food meal? I have earned my vacation time and probably provided protection for more kids than you. What assinine remarks you made.
March 12, 2013 at 2:20 PM
or should I have said fast food meal