School Security Guards Could Carry Tasers

Alabama Mobile Mobile school officials are studying the idea.

by Steve Alexander

Published: Thu, June 25, 2009 - 8:16 pm CST Last Updated: Thu, June 25, 2009 - 8:40 pm CST

What do you think about security guards in Mobile County Public Schools carrying tasers?
Superintendent Roy Nichols is recommending the school board allow security personnel to carry and use tasers.
Nichols said, "Our security officers often find themselves responding to alarms in the middle of the night, trying to break up fights, trying to protect kids if intruders come into the schools and they need something to protect themselves."
But the superintendent's recommendation said security personnel can only use tasers after being trained and certifed by Mobile Police and, Nichols said, "There will be a policy adopted by the board outlining when they can and when they cannot use the taser."
Nichols cited one incident where he believes a taser could have prevented a tragedy.
He said, "We had a student who committed suicide with a gun at Davidson last year. There was an officer right there trying to talk him out of the gun. (The officer) might have been able to taze him and save his life."
We asked people in Mobile what they thought of the idea.
Karleigh Ingram said, "I probably wouldn't want them to carry tasers."
Ray Mahathy said, "I think it would be a great idea. Personally, I think the devices are more of a life saying device than they are a hindrance to life."
According to Paul Thrash, "I think tasers are a rough thing if you hit the people the wrong way."
And Patrick Hall said, "With a taser, there's a controversy of someone with a heart condition, but I guess that's better than blowing a hole in somebody or being unarmed."
The proposal is on the agenda for school board approval at the next meeting, which is scheduled for Monday night.

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goneisland2 Says:

Sat, Jun 27, 2009 at 6:42 pm

Don’t these middle and high schools have metal detectors at the entrances to the schools?

We had metal detectors in all high schools in Detroit, but one (a magnet high school). No knives or guns got into the schools and each school had a policeman assigned to it.

minimay87 Says:

Sat, Jun 27, 2009 at 1:25 pm

Yeah because I can only imagine if school was as bad as it was when I graduated that it has only gotten worse. It seems as the years go by, kids and teens are trying to act older than they really are and are coming up with easier access with drugs, alcohol, and weapons. I remember walking to lunch one day and this guy coming up to me asking me if I wanted to by some pills. Just so casually like it was a chocolate bar.

southfan1981 Says:

Sat, Jun 27, 2009 at 1:16 pm

~shakes my head~ Mini, you make an excellent point. If tasers are needed then more than likely LE is too. You have over a thousand kids at most of these schools for nearly 8 hours. Put cops in the schools and let them do the job they are trained to do.

minimay87 Says:

Sat, Jun 27, 2009 at 1:14 pm

Yeah I am with you on that last part. I do not want to be scared to send my daughter to school.

minimay87 Says:

Sat, Jun 27, 2009 at 1:13 pm

The security guards are not that great at our schools. Giving them a tazer would be a big mistake. They would more than likely over abuse or if something bad really did happen run to save their own behinds. If the schools are that dangerous, which I do know it has only been 5 years since I graduated, than possibly having officers present would be the best thing. If the situation gets to the point that the tazer is needed than odds are the police will be needed too.

southfan1981 Says:

Sat, Jun 27, 2009 at 1:11 pm

Revision: After research, thought and discussion, I say put police officers on campus with guns EVERYDAY. Mobile’s population of kids is supposed to be on campus, let the demographics determine law enforcement coverage and SAFETY. Charge unruly kids with their criminal behavior, i i’fs ands or buts. When their parents show up to give us an example of the tree and apple falling off that tree, charge them, too. I want to be able to send my son to ANY Mobile school and not be afraid for his life.

southfan1981 Says:

Sat, Jun 27, 2009 at 12:12 pm

Apparently the general public is ignorant about how dangerous some of our schools are in this district. I’d rather the security have Tasers than have to pay MPD to be on campus at all times. Hopefully, Blunt will be a little safer once they get a new principal.

minimay87 Says:

Sat, Jun 27, 2009 at 7:54 am

We were all so happy about catfish when I left! :( Now the catfish is just a long distant memory. I am in a good mood today though. My husband is suppose to bring me some wings home from the car wash!

minimay87 Says:

Sat, Jun 27, 2009 at 7:51 am

Well. I guess it was bound to happen. Two strong personalities tend to clash sooner or later. Not an insult to either, just that both feel strongly on things and do not back down.

rmseek1234 Says:

Sat, Jun 27, 2009 at 7:48 am

You would think that one could take a statement at face value,mini,but someone had to go all twisted and ballistic on a comment made in kindness. Tells me a lot.