The 2017 – 2018 school year was one of the deadliest on record in regard to shootings. Indiana, unfortunately, was not spared from that trend, with the Noblesville shooting occurring towards the tail end of last school year.
Last Friday, Gov. Eric Holcomb released a list of recommendations to improve school safety.
There were 18 total recommendations and they were broken down into three different categories:
1. Enhanced mental health services
2. Safety equipment, technology, tools, and training
3. Policy or legislative considerations regarding school safety
Some of the highlights of the specific suggestions were:
· Require active shooter drills in schools
· Increased law enforcement officer presence in schools
· Sustained funding for school safety grants
· Incorporate school safety training into teacher training programs
Indiana’s report is an attempt to follow the national trend of addressing school safety at multiple levels as opposed to traditional wisdom simply “hardening” facilities:
To remain a national leader in school safety, Indiana must address gaps in areas that that go beyond hardening our buildings and training to respond to incidents. This report suggests Indiana address these issues and more by enhancing existing funding sources and programs related to school safety. In addition, it recommends an increased emphasis on enhanced and expanded mental health services as well as the adoption of additional equipment and technology impacting school safety.
Read the full report here.