Locals consider school safety options

Some say tighter gun control laws will keep the most dangerous weapons out of dangerous hands. Others say putting guns in the hands of responsible adults in schools is the best way to protect children.

In east Idaho the NPR idea of armed guards in every school gets some support, even if it comes with a tax cost.

“As far as safety for our kids, no price is to high. I think our tax paying dollars should go to something like that, to protect our children. It’s a good thing to invest in,” Charlie and Ryan Ropickey said.

Other locals feel it might be going to far, and said more locked doors and security checks are in order, but bringing guns into schools isn’t the way to go.

“I don’t think that’s good for the students. I think we ought to be able to protect the students and they ought to feel safe without having that,” Grace Juhl said.

Bannock County Sheriff Lorin Nielson, said it’s good to have a conversation about school safety, but we shouldn’t fall into a knee-jerk reaction to tragedy without plenty of thought.

“It’s a matter of looking realistically at how things are, and what would be the most responsible approach for your specific community,” Nielson said.

As for bringing guns in trained hands into the school, Nielson said people need to realize accidents can happen even with someone who has worked with firearms for years.

“For heavens sake, I’ve been in law enforcement for 34 years and I’ve had an accident with a gun. They’re very unforgiving,” Nielson said.