Events in Uvalde trigger questions about school safety and preparedness
The unimaginable tragedy that occurred in Uvalde undoubtedly triggered fear and questions within many people. Are our children safe? Do our schools have any safety measures in place? Are our local law enforcement prepared and involved with our school districts?
The Clifton Record and Meridian Tribune are speaking with local law enforcement and school districts to answer some of those questions you may be asking yourself or others.
According to Clifton ISD and Meridian ISD administrations, both school districts currently have active safety protocols in place and work closely with law enforcement to ensure the safety of their students and staff.
Clifton Police Chief Chris Blanton and Meridian Police Chief Blake Johnson have both confirmed they are actively involved with their school district’s administrations and safety procedures.
Bosque County Sheriff Trace Hendricks also has an active protocol in place for his deputies in the event of an emergency situation for all school districts within Bosque County, including those without a municipal police department. Hendricks is actively pushing for all school districts within Bosque County to implement the School Marshal Program.
Here are some of the things we have learned about the School Marshal Program.
School districts across Texas now have the option to train selected employees to be armed marshals. These marshals would serve to protect students from armed intruders in accordance with HB 1009 of the Texas Occupations Code. Individuals who participate in this program must be a current district employee and already possess a current concealed handgun license.
A principal or superintendent cannot appoint a school marshal; a school marshal must be approved by the school board of trustees.
If a board of trustees appoints a school marshal, that individual will be required to complete 80 hours of training through an academy licensed by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. This training includes topics in physical security, use of force and legal liability, firearms training, and law enforcement strategies and techniques.
School marshals are not revealed to the public. Giving that information to the public would only jeopardize the safety of the students and staff members of their school district.
Keep reading The Clifton Record and Meridian Tribune as we find out more information from our school districts. Follow us online at www.BosqueCountyToday.com, on Facebook @TheCliftonRecord and @MeridianTribune, or in print.