Spokane Public Schools could have its own armed police force starting in January.

Thirteen district employees, already commissioned peace officers, are expected to start wearing .40-caliber Glock pistols at their sides.

Arming school resource officers is one of many safety measures the district approved in the wake of December’s mass shooting in Newtown, Conn. The district is also planning to add internal door locks, hire one more commissioned peace officer and add more patrols around schools.

Newtown triggered the recent changes, “but there have been other reasons for considering arming our resource officers,” said Jason Conley, the district’s safety, security and transportation director. “It’s those outside threats that are driving us to this next level of safety. In a criminal’s mind, a school resource officer would be the first target to eliminate to get into the school.” Read more. Jody Lawrence Turner, SR

Good idea or bad?

---

---