A Wiffle Bat and a Prayer Won't Cut It
RICK J. COLLINS
To provide Southern California Cigar Smokers the best lounge possible.
We recently had the pleasure of working with the Principal and security lead at a medium size private school here in San Diego. We addressed all issues and concerns, provided the information they needed to make an educated decision and the decision was made.
"Sorry, but we cannot allow a weapon on campus, even a concealed one."
Of course, as in any sales process you wonder what could, or should, I have done different?. Pricing was not the issue as the contract (for a very highly trained officer) was very reasonable over that they are going to pay for two unarmed Securitas type guards to stand outside the school.
I would welcome comments and ideas on how we (society) and by extension my company can better address the fundamental premise that decision makers will likely say "it won't happen here, so thanks, but no thanks", while parents would have likely said (if they were asked) "it might happen here, so protect my kid".
To me, it feels like a Government type decision. Government will often make decisions on behalf of the people, much like the Board at that school made what they feel is the right decision on behalf of their parents and their children. Sadly, we know that Government doesn't always make the right decision and for that school board...
Only in the event of a tragic event will they know if they made the right one - or not.
People must understand that fixed security assets, lock downs, smoke machines, event drills, all while awaiting a law enforcement response, means we are too late and children are likely dying.
Project Management / Security Professional
6 年I think it is the wishful thinking that society has adopted that the government will provide and make it better because it has happened so frequently now ("surely THEY must do SOMETHING!"). We have gotten so complacent and take no responsibility as a nation/society; everything is someone ELSE'S problem, not our own. We are expected to be victims. We are not expected to defend ourselves. I don't know that I have any answers... this is a tough and a NON-POLITICAL ISSUE. I agree with your stance on how teachers should not be armed. I believe that most school boards would not be too happy with having armed personnel on campuses unless they are resource officers. I don't agree that they would be the only proper choice for a security force, but I think it's more the public perception. What I can tell you, is that as a parent WOULD feel better if there were highly qualified armed security personnel augmenting the unarmed security staff. Someone(s) that could potentially nullify the threat if one arose. But with budgets being what they are, crappy pay for our teachers and staff, how can they "justify" that additional cost. I would pay more taxes for it.... we have money to pay for everything else. Maybe PTO meetings? It is that will need to pressure the school districts into providing this to the schools., right??? Either that or huge lawsuits when something terrible, God forbid, happens again; after the fact. I hope and pray that is doesn't; but hopes and prayers don't always keep our kids safe.
Ask me all your Home Improvement questions | I am who Jesus says I am | Veteran | Educator | Writer | Lifelong Louisiana Resident
6 年How much were parents involved in the decision making process? I agree that they may have wanted y'all on campus, so if the parents are out of the loop, they probably didn't have an influence on the decision. If they were, however, maintaining that connection may prove things to work out differently in the future, even without a major incident. Parents are great about not having the same viewpoint as administration.
Security Contractor/Close Protection Specialist/Infantry Combat Veteran
6 年Great article!