Quote:
Originally Posted by rsimpson
Which school, A or B, is attacked by a deranged, cowardly, gunman?
School A: Gun Free Zone, unlocked doors, random security presence, no armed teachers allowed
School B: One point of entry – door locked, armed security on regular staff, some teachers armed (if trained and comfortable to carry)
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Excellent question, even though I don't think you posted it as a question.
Here is a study by Rand (link below) that shows there is not enough evidence to say if gun-free zones help or not.
It does point out that gun-free zones do help control access with guns, by providing (generally) entry screening to keep bad guys with guns from getting in to the area.
But your two options are not the only two. I suggest a third.
3. Locked doors (auto lock in closing), Trained and armed security guards at single point of entry, locked class rooms with supervisor overrides, and possibly some armed teachers, no unauthorized guns allowed in the area.
Letting "others" come in with guns is more likely, in my opinion, to cause more problems in an active shooter situation than they will help. Since "others" are not required in many states to be qualified and trained to use their weapons in active shooter situations. there is no way to know if the "other" is trained and capable of dealing with finding themselves in that situation.
The Effects of Gun-Free Zones | RAND
(Metaphor: Would you be in favor of letting anyone bring their car into a NASCAR race? Or is it a good idea to have races be a consumer car/driver free zone?)
EDIT: If the school was NOT gun-free, then the shooter in Texas could have just walked into the front door with two AR-15s. He has a right to open carry. So, All the locked docks and security could not legally stop him from entering unless they had credible evidence that he was a danger. How do you KNOW which open carrying citizen is not crazy?