(Annapolis) -- “Today we reject the ineffective ideas of the past, and instead offer solutions that will actually help keep our children safe,” said Delegate Mike McDermott (R-Eastern Shore) as he introduced his school safety legislation into the Maryland General Assembly.
This year, the Delegate will be sponsoring three bills which are tailored to promoting school safety. “Creating a Guardian Program, using non-lethal technology, and allowing law enforcement officers to be armed while on school grounds will provide helpful options to the superintendents and principals charged with protecting our children while they learn,” the Delegate stated as he outlined his proposals.
“The latest security measures were in place at Sandy Hook Elementary, yet they were defeated by a determined madman,” observed Delegate McDermott. One of his three bills, entitled “Handguns -- Permit Qualifications and Carrying on School Property -- School Guardians” would authorize a school to create a Guardian Program. The program would allow qualified and trained school staff members, designated by the superintendent, to use a handgun carry permit within the school and provide a last line of defense against an armed intruder. “This would ensure a shield of protection for our children -- unseen, yet ever vigilant,” said the Delegate. Similarly, his bill titled “Criminal Law -- Carying Weaopns on School Property -- Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act” would also allow law enforcement officers to use their carry permits on school grounds.
“Education -- Primary and Secondary Schools -- Electronic Control Devices” -- also known as the Taser Bill -- “would allow select school staff to be armed with electronic control devices, following training and certification,” stated Delegate McDermott. Electronic control devices, better known as tasers, are non-lethal devices with a range of up to 25 feet. The commonsense use of these devices would ensure effective protection without the risk of inflicting mortal injury.
“The Guardian concept is the most effective and economic means of addressing the tremendous security gap we experience in our schools. The use of less lethal technology may run a close second to insuring there is an underlying line of defense on our campuses”, summarized Delegate McDermott.
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7 comments:
Thank You Del McDermott. Finally a lawmaker who truly cares about our children and not an agenda.
I worked in a jewelry store that employed an armed guard. Alot of banks and other businesses vulnerable to crime have armed guards. I believe I saw a gun on security personel in a federal government office locally recently. Schools have proven to be vulnerable to not only crime but mass murder these days so why are they being denied the protection they deserve?
About time this is LONG over due.
Thanks, Mike! This is long overdue and needs immediate passage. I'm a little skeptical of how accurate a taser's pins are from across the classroom, but the CC idea is a no brainer, especially when my NRA recently offered to train Guardians for free! If this can pass, I will be making added contributions to the NRA for this program! Keep up the good work!
We should be proactive when it involves the lives of our most vulnerable. We also must think outside the box and realize murder is committed by other objects and means besides firearms and be ready and prepared for that in the event that it happens. Someone intent on taking lives in a big way isn't bothered by gun control. MD lawmakers have to look no further than to remember the Angela Dawson murders. Angela was a neighborhood activist who was determined to rid her neighborhood of drug dealers. Molotov Cocktail was thrown at her house, it caught on fire and Angela, her husband and their 5 children were killed.
Much of what makes kids unsafe in school is the behavior of thugs who are enrolled.
I think we should take it one step further and Maryland should allow ccw. I know my family is worth protecting.
I spoke with Delegate McDermott about this briefly. I agree with his proposal much more strongly than limiting ownership, and the proposed restrictions of Gov. O'Malley's "Firearm Safety Act of 2013" aka, SB281. Its worth a read to see what they are trying to pull.
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