III. YES Argument
Stronger security measures would decrease school violence, the students, teachers and community as a whole will be better prepared for any type a crisis and there would be a significant decrease to common security threats with more ease. According to the Department of Homeland Security, there are recommended ways to enhance security measures in schools including offering “funding, training, and resources for efforts such as providing money for emergency preparedness, training school bus drivers in security and hardening school buildings’ vulnerability” . When security measures are intensified, there will be significant positive effects, including greater efficiency in immediately addressing potential dangers; schools multifunctional prowess is aptly exhibited; and it would involve the collaborative assistance of community members.
- Efficiency
In the case of Sandy Hook Elementary shooting, for instance, the incident prompted the
familiarity of teachers and school administrators in emergency response through effectively lead their students to safety; and therefore, minimizing the amount of casualties. Specifically, the lockdown drills were noted to be most appropriate in cases such as this. As emphasized, “much of the attention in schools has been on lockdown drills and how they can be practiced and adjusted to prevent or at least minimize casualties in the event of an armed intruder” . Even more lives could have been spared had the security measures been better.
B. Multifunctional
C. Community collaboration
Finally, in line with efforts to intensify security measures, there have been new recommendations that focus on preventing violence through “programs that build community, collective responsibility, and trust among students and educators than by using measures that rely on fear, coercion, and punishment” . Many of the budgetary problems associated with intensifying security measures can actually be bypassed by community fund raisers and cooperation from the parents and local businesses. This also raises community awareness and support.
Overall, stronger security measures should be instituted in conjunction with positive
means to nurture a sense of security through creating a conducive learning environment that promote peace; as well as emphasize the need to adhere to ethical, moral, and legal standards.
References
Bhatt, R., & Davis, T. (2012, December). The Impact of Random Metal Detector Searches on School Violence, Contraband Possession, and Perceptions of Safety. Retrieved from Georgia State University: http://www2.gsu.edu/~ecorrb/index_files/RandomSearch.pdf
Homeland Security. (n.d.). School Safety. Retrieved from dhs.gov: http://www.dhs.gov/school-safety
Mooney, J. (2013, January 17). New Jersey Puts Focus on School Lockdown Drills in Wake of Newtown Tragedy. Retrieved from NJ Spotlight: http://www.njspotlight.com/stories/13/01/16/new-jersey-puts-focus-on-school-lockdown-drills-in-wake-of-newtown-tragedy/
Nance, J. (2013, February 11). School Security Considerations After Newtown. Retrieved from Stanford Law Review: http://www.stanfordlawreview.org/online/school-security-considerations-after-newtown
National Association of School Psychologists. (2013). Research on School Security. Retrieved from nasponline.org: http://www.nasponline.org/advocacy/schoolsecurity.pdf
Volokh, A., & Snell, L. (1998). Strategies to Keep Schools Safe (Unabridged). Retrieved from reason.org: http://reason.org/files/60b57eac352e529771bfa27d7d736d3f.pdf
