More money to being spent on a gatekeeping system to keep intruders out of public schools? (Tulsa World article 2-11-08).
I have a better idea. Instead, let’s build underground facilities with secure walkways between buildings, and institute mandatory lock down upon entry. We could then ban all outside clothing, backpacks, and electronics. I'm sure these ideas have already been considered, but if we put a guard on every tower for outside time and then constantino wire…
Why are we wasting the money on yet another fruitless endeavor? There are two reasons for increased security measures, to placate fearful parents or to minimize liability; neither of which justifies added expense in this area.
Reasonable and rational people know that schools aren’t built as lockdown facilities—nor can they be secured while children race across an open campus in pursuit of lunch and recess. Our best efforts cannot insure our children’s complete security.
I have an nine yr old in second grade and I’m aware of his school’s futile attempt at safety. I check in and out at the volunteer desk, and must now present photo id to pick up my son who, even on my worst hair day, could pick me out of a line-up. This measure will, in no stretch of the imagination, protect my son.
I sit in the parking lot and I watch while people go in and out of that school on legitimate business, the repairmen, inter-school delivery, day care pick-ups, etc. and I can envision no possible way to prevent an intruder who was intent on destruction. I just imagine the volunteer racing up the open hallway after him yelling, "Wait, you haven't checked in!"
If our intent is to pretend vigilance and to present yet another deterrent or to placate litigious persons, let's once again roll out the x-ray machines that languish unused in the entry of these schools—another remnant from the last security frenzy. Lastly, we could purchase the crossing-guard a new official-looking uniform.
P.S. And then let’s talk rationally about neglected video survellience on buses and the true threat from within.
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