Pittsburgh Catholic Schools Step Up Security
After a scare in March 2023 involving a suspected gunman in a Catholic high school, officials decided it was time for an upgrade in their security measures. This incident led to terrifying evacuation procedures and a powerful response from local law enforcement. After such frightful events, the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh decided to reconsider their view of what constitutes a secure learning environment.
Creating an In-House Police Force
One significant change came in the form of formulating their own armed police force, dedicated to protecting the 39 Catholic schools and numerous churches in the region. Wendell Hissrich, a former safety director and FBI unit chief, was appointed to organize this department. Since then, Hissrich has acquired 15 officers and four supervisors. Most of these are retired officers and state troopers who are now responsible for school campuses equipped with Stop the Bleed kits, cameras, and defibrillators.
Hissrich’s Vision for the Force
Hissrich recommended the presence of armed officers in schools to religious leaders seeking his advice. However, he also emphasized the importance of these officers being more than just on-site security. He expressed a desire for them to serve as role models and good fits within the school environment. Being equipped to handle interactions with students and parents, as well as knowing how to de-escalate tense situations, is crucial.
Reality of Gun Violence in Schools
The risk of gun violence is a sad reality for many young people in America, influencing costly decision-making in schools. In Georgia, a recent incident of a teenager reportedly shooting his way through his high school, resulting in four deaths, highlighted the urgency of this issue. However, research has raised questions regarding whether on-site police forces deter gun violence. These quandaries stem from contrasting data, which show over half of U.S. firearm deaths being suicides, and concerning statistics on racial bias in policing and school discipline.
An Example to Follow: North Allegheny
North Allegheny, a well-reputed public school system located about 20 minutes north of Pittsburgh, decided to take proactive measures. Superintendent Brendan Hyland endorsed the expanding of their two-person school resource officer team into a 13-person in-house department. This squad would station officers across the district’s 12 buildings, deemed an effective measure despite some board members’ reservations about armed officers on campus.
Importance of Preparedness
The presence of police in schools has been an actively contested issue following the tragic killing of George Floyd, which spurred waves of protests against police brutality and racial bias. While some districts reacted by lowering or outright removing security personnel, recent reconsiderations of the associated risks have seen a shift in this view. There is a resurgent demand from parents in states like California, Colorado, and Virginia for bringing back officers.
These shifts are not without criticism though. Events like the Robb Elementary School shooting in Texas in 2022 brought scathing critique from the Department of Justice on the failures of the school police chief, leading to increased scrutiny of the role of internal police forces in schools. Equally, adults with firearms used by their children in shootings are being held accountable, leading to unprecedented charges against parents.
Final Thoughts
Drawing from his experience as a safety officer for the city, Hissrich emphasizes the importance of preparation and planning to prevent gun violence. His perspective underscores the necessity for actively securing school environments rather than merely reacting to unfortunate events. As the debate continues, one fact remains certain: the safety of students is a priority, and schools need to continue exploring the best ways to ensure this.