My former high school is hiring a security officer

[no_hypocrisy]

in addition to installing a mess of security cameras.

http://ramsey-nj.patch.com/groups/schools/p/high-school-to-hire-security-officer

Aside from the argument that maybe liability insurance requires this kind of thing these days, why? I was born in and grew up in this town. Since 1957 it's gone from small town to suburban to "affluent". Nothing really happens. And our high school crowd was a lot more rowdy and risk-taking than the current student body. Pipe bombs in the boys bathroom and Herman marks on the walls.

The security cameras are creepy enough.

But a security officer to do what, the principal and vice principals' jobs? I thought they were supposed to be in charge of "security", safety, and discipline.

The Board of Education wouldn't spend more dime more than necessary to hire teachers (bachelor degrees without experience versus veteran teachers with or without a masters). Yet they can justify spending money on this.

I don't know if this security guard will be packing heat or what. The only thing I figure is that if he has the ability to effect a citizens arrest on any student and enough of them are, this whole matter will be re-evaluated.

[Buzz Clik]

1. I can see why you think security in schools should be a low priority.

[pipoman]

2. Yeah..afterall shootouts

were daily occurrences at Columbine and Newtowne..FFS, I can't understand what is wrong with some people, decrying the monstrosity of each school shooting after they happen, but arguing that schools shouldn't have security officers and other security efforts..unbelievable duplicity it is..

[femmocrat]

3. It's probably not a bad idea to have him there at games and dances.

Sometimes "outsiders" or older students like to cause trouble. The administrators don't usually attend all of those events, just teacher-chaperones. And teachers don't attend all athletic events.

I don't think the security officers should be handling day-to-day discipline, though. One would be invaluable in case of a fight, though. I don't think teachers should be risking life and limb to break up student fights.

Security cameras are everywhere now, even in the elementary schools. You know, they get the grant money so they find ways to spend it.

If you still live in the district, you have the right to attend school board meetings and address your concerns.