SWOPblogger

This is just awful. APS is functioning on the assumption that our Albuquerque youth are criminals, that we are expecting them to get a hold of guns, and kill other people.

Why? If you don't have faith that this educational system is doing their job in teaching, change the system and invest in youth.

If you don't have faith that parent's aren't instilling "proper" values, ask yourself why many parents work 2 jobs, or get laid off, or struggle daily to provide the basic necessities because of unstable working conditions.

We have a bigger problem to address that doesn't get solved by 43 more APS officers carrying weapons.

The other problem with this is that officers have an unfortunate history of becoming trigger happy. I ask all parents, who are operating and buying into this particular fear tactic, do you really want to send your kid where their might be a slight chance that not only is it scary to go to school with other kids their age, but the cops might kill them too.

In 2001 the last time APS was considering arming their Police Officers, SWOP fought against the policy and the officers managed to get approval for only carrying guns at night. I guess it's scarier at night. But at night there aren't any kids!

What's the message we're sending to our children?

"Don't be afraid of going to school because the police officers on campus are more afraid of you, than you are of them, that's why they carry guns. Just in case."

Home school is sounding much better at the moment.

I can support thinking about a security plan and emergency response that doesn't include guns, rather appropriate training for officers. This should be revisited on a regular basis not when something tragic happens because then its just reactionary. Prevention is key!


Board Asks for Ideas To Improve Security

BY AMY MILLER
Journal Staff Writer

The Albuquerque school board will reconsider its policy that prohibits school police from carrying guns during school hours, board members said Thursday.

“I think we have a duty,” said Martin Esquivel. Mayor Martin Chávez will work with the district to provide additional security, said Paul Broome, the mayor’s education adviser.

Chávez supports arming school police, Broome said, but he’ll help the district whether the board changes the policy or not. Several options are on the table.

“He recognizes it’s a very agonizing decision,” Broome said during the board’s policy committee meeting.

The school board began discussing the issue again after the recent shootings at Virginia Tech. It has come before the board twice, the last time in 2001 after much public debate.

At that time, some APS officers were allowed to carry guns but not during school hours unless given permission by the superintendent.

Board members on Thursday also talked about contracting with Albuquerque police and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department to provide school security.

There are 70 APS police officers, and 33 are certified to carry guns, school officials told the board. At least one city or county police officer is also assigned to all the city’s high schools.
That’s not enough to serve the entire district, said Robert Lucero. But he said he doesn’t think arming more APS officers is the solution.

“Should we not look at a better safety plan than we have today?” Lucero said. “We need to have a true study and look at all the options.”

Lucero said he’s waiting to see if a pending report from the Council of the Great City Schools, an advisory group for public schools, offers any recommendations about contracting with local law enforcement agencies.

Parents and community members on both sides of the issue will have a chance to tell the board what they think about arming school police officers, although no date was set.

Board members also want school officials to give them detailed recommendations for what they think should be done to improve school security as soon as possible.

“I think the community is expecting us to act quickly,” said Gordon Rowe. “They do want us to show leadership.”

Board member Dolores Griego said crime prevention shouldn’t be overlooked in the discussion.

“How can we reinstill values, reinstill respect?” Griego said. “We can’t keep going in the direction we’re going.”

Labels: APS, guns on campuses, youth