In light of recent events, the over-discussed issue of gun control has gained some new review. As citizens, we feel less safe in public. In order to have a sense of security once again, what can we do?
One possibility, suggested by the National Rifle Association (NRA) recommends armed guards stationed in every school. Some even go as far as to suggest teachers arm themselves in the classroom.
While these proposals may lead to some kind of decrease in crime, are they really worth the negative impact on a social event or learning environment? By having armed guards in schools, we are only escalating the situation, fighting fire with fire.
If another assailant decides to commit a crime at a school and manages to get through the new security put in place, in what way will we advance to prevent the next attack? By having even more guards? Will this continue until we’re living in a police state?
When a society adds more readily available firearms to officers, even in safer places like schools, it engenders a mentality of containment. We as victims must take action before any criminals even think about committing any crimes. Instead of minimization of the problem, we try to build walls around the problem and hope the wall doesn’t crumble.
With a firearm so readily obtainable, guards will be more likely to use them. How far does a situation have to escalate before the gun is taken out of its holster? It’s true officers need to be well trained to deal with these kinds of situations, but working around children might promote officers to be easily prompted to protect the kids.
At what point do we sacrifice freedom for security? At what point do we decide our public schools feel so unsafe we station armed guards to protect young children? At what point do we stand armed police officers in public locations? How far are we willing to go to stay safe, regardless of which of our rights are infringed upon? Emergencies like these are few and far between and therefore safer ways to control them such as gun education and restrictions.