Are Schools Safer With Armed Guards?
January 21, 2025
At Allied Nationwide Security, we care about the safety of schools and the people inside them. With more and more stories about school shootings and violence, it’s natural for everyone—parents, teachers, and students—to ask: “Are schools safer with armed guards?” This question has become a big topic as many schools try to figure out the best way to keep everyone safe.
Let’s explore what having armed security guards in schools means and whether it helps make schools safer.
Why Are We Talking About School Safety?
Sadly, schools aren’t always the safe places they should be. News stories about violence in schools have made many people worried about their children’s safety. So, what can schools do to help? One solution some schools are considering is to hire armed guards to patrol the campus. These guards are specially trained to handle emergencies and protect students and staff. But, is this really the best way to keep schools safe?
The Good Things About Armed Guards in Schools
- A Strong Deterrent
The biggest reason why schools hire armed security guards is to stop bad things from happening in the first place. If potential attackers know that there are guards with weapons, they might think twice before trying anything. The presence of an armed guard can send a strong message: “This school is protected, and we’re ready to handle emergencies.” Often, just knowing there are armed guards around can be enough to stop a problem before it starts.
- Quick Response in Emergencies
When a dangerous situation happens, time is very important. Armed guards are already on campus, so they can respond much faster than the police, who might take longer to arrive. Having someone with training and a weapon close by means that if something goes wrong, there’s someone ready to step in and help right away. This can make a big difference in keeping everyone safe during an emergency.
- Peace of Mind for Parents and Teachers
For parents, knowing there is an armed security guard at school can bring peace of mind. They want to feel sure that their children are safe while they’re at school. Teachers, too, appreciate knowing that there’s someone trained to handle dangerous situations. When a school hires an armed security guard, it shows that they are serious about protecting their students, which can make everyone feel a lot more comfortable.
The Bad Things About Armed Guards
- The Risk of a Mistake
Even though armed guards are trained to protect people, there’s always a chance something could go wrong. If an emergency happens and the guard makes a wrong decision, it could make the situation worse instead of better. It’s important that armed guards don’t just carry weapons but also have training on how to stay calm and handle stressful situations properly.
- The Cost of Armed Guards
Hiring armed security guards isn’t cheap. Schools already have tight budgets, and paying for armed guards can be a big expense. That money could be used for other important things like books, computers, or after-school programs. Schools need to carefully think about whether the cost of armed guards is worth it or if there are other ways to make the school safer.
- Possibility of Escalating the Situation
Some people worry that having armed guards might actually make things worse. For example, if someone is already upset and sees an armed guard, it might make them even angrier and more likely to act out. Armed guards need to be trained not only to use weapons but also to calm down tense situations and talk to people without making things escalate.
In the end, there’s no one perfect way to keep schools safe, but having an armed security guard can definitely be part of the solution. It’s not just about having guards with guns; it’s about creating a safe environment where everyone can focus on learning and growing.