Analysis of rural superintendents' perceptions of concealed carry handgun policies

Date
2014-12
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Abstract

Active shooting events (ASE) have sparked the national debate of whether armed civilian school district employees could reduce the number of injuries or fatalities associated with these rampage assaults, or simply serve as an effective deterrent against a potential attack. Following the tragic December 14, 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting, discussions intensified regarding the need for school districts to adopt concealed carry policies authorizing certain district employees to carry handguns on school premises. The lack of empirical research concerning the effectiveness of armed civilian school staff to engage a violent and generally heavily armed assailant, makes the decision to implement concealed carry policies both uncertain and potentially problematic. Electing to authorize certain staff members to carry or have access to firearms through a safe or lock box, exposes students and staff to the increased risk of injury or death through a potential accidental weapon discharge or friendly fire . However, remote, rural school districts electing not to implement a concealed carry policy may expose their students and staff to potentially greater risks levels associated with an ASE without an effective emergency response plan to halt the attack.

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Keywords
Targeted school shooting, Active shooting events, Target hardening, Deterrent, Concealed carry policies
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