School shootings have become a pressing concern for many U.S. parents. According to a Pew Research Center survey, approximately 63% of parents with children in K-12 schools are very, extremely, or somewhat worried about the possibility of a shooting at their child's school.
As a response, many educational institutions across the country are turning to armed security officers for additional protection alongside unarmed security personnel. But does that help?
Here at Bellator Defense, we provide expert protection for schools all across Colorado. These tips come from our expertise working with dozens of schools.
Read on to learn if schools are safer with armed guards and what the statistics say.
Are Schools More Protected With Armed Security Guards?
The debate around whether schools are more protected with armed security guards is ongoing.
On one side, having trained personnel on-site can deter potential attackers and provide immediate response capabilities. On the other hand, critics argue that armed security increases punitive actions and potentially disrupts students' educational experiences.
Studies have also suggested that armed officers may lead to higher casualties once an incident begins.
However, such studies often exclude confounding factors, such as incidents where School Resource Officers — sworn law-enforcement officers with arrest powers — deterred violence before it escalated. They also fail to account for local community crime rates, so, it is difficult to generalize conclusions to all schools.
Statistics and Evidence: How Effective Are School Security Guards?
A clear measure of the effectiveness of armed security on campus comes from the analysis of the current data on
Here’s what the evidence says:
A 2022 Pew Research Center survey found that 32% of parents of K-12 schoolchildren are highly concerned about gun violence at their child's school. In response, many parts of the U.S. have opted to increase armed security, and 49% of parents believe armed guards are an effective solution.
In May 2018, a school resource officer at Dixon High School in Illinois confronted a gunman and chased him off campus before shooting and wounding him. The officer, Mark Dallas, was praised for his quick and decisive actions. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence recognized his actions in preventing a potentially deadly situation.
A study by The Violence Project analyzed 133 school shootings from 1980 to 2019 and found that armed guards did not significantly reduce fatalities or injuries. In about 25% of these incidents, armed guards were present, but their presence had no noticeable impact on injury rates.
According to a National Center for Education Statistics survey of 83,100 schools, over 50% felt more secure with at least one law enforcement officer regularly carrying a firearm on campus during the 2019-2020 school year.
The evidence is mixed. But we believe it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Still, the decision to hire armed security for your school should depend on your analysis of the pros and cons.
Pros of Armed Security Guards in Schools
The tangible benefits of having trained security personnel ready to react cannot be ignored. The deterrent effect alone can discourage individuals from attempting violence. Other major benefits of armed security include:
Immediate response time. In active shooter situations, seconds matter. Armed guards respond far more quickly than external law enforcement, who may take several minutes to arrive.
Visible security presence. A uniformed, armed guard acts as a deterrent to potential attackers. The very presence of security can discourage individuals from attempting violent actions.
De-escalation of conflicts. Properly trained guards know how to defuse situations before they escalate into violence. Advanced de-escalation tactics combined with strategic positioning can prevent minor incidents from becoming more serious threats.
Cons of Armed Security Guards in Schools
Despite the advantages, some concerns may arise due to the presence of armed security guards in schools.
Introducing firearms into a school environment increases the risk of accidents or unintended harm. Plus, misfires, accidental discharges, and confrontations with armed students or individuals can have devastating consequences. Critics argue that increased firearms on campus may inadvertently lead to more violence rather than less.
How to Select the Best School Security Guards?
The best school security guards are trained and qualified to ensure campus security and prevent any harm. Armed guards should have certifications in law enforcement, crisis management, and de-escalation techniques, with a clear understanding of how to safely handle firearms in high-stress situations.
Schools must also establish strict policies on the use of force. Armed guards need to use the least amount of force necessary to manage a situation, and have a clear protocol for responding to threats. They must also coordinate with local law enforcement and be trained to work closely with police in emergency situations or quickly communicate critical information.
Hire Highly-Trained Armed Campus Security Guards With Bellator Defense
Bellator Defense provides highly trained and professional armed security guards to ensure the safety of schools. Our security personnel are adept at monitoring access points, enforcing rules, responding to emergencies, and maintaining order.
The security guards at Bellator Defense are also trained to respond swiftly in emergencies by contacting authorities, providing first aid, or assisting with evacuations.
With the expertise to manage crowd control and enforce safety protocols, we guarantee a secure environment for students and staff alike. Contact us today for a free quote.
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