Should a School Police Officer At Least Try to Stop a School Shooting, or Face Prosecution?

Questions surrounding the role of school police officers have garnered significant attention, particularly after tragic events such as school shootings. This article explores the ethical and legal responsibilities of school police officers, discussing if they should attempt to stop such incidents and the potential consequences for failing to do so.

The Shooter's Responsibility

It is crucial to recognize that, in cases of school shootings, the shooter is the sole individual responsible for the deaths or injuries that occur. Any blame should be directed toward the person who carries out such a heinous act. Society should insist that accountability lies with the perpetrator, not with those tasked with protecting others.

The School Police Officer's Responsibility

Despite societal expectations, school police officers also have a duty to protect the students and faculty. They are not merely passive bystanders but active members of the school community. Failing to take action in such critical situations can lead to significant consequences for both the officer and the school.

The Impact of Not Acting

Imagine the guilt a police officer might feel if they knew they had the opportunity to save lives but chose not to. The idea of not trying to stop a school shooting is deeply unsettling. If a police officer fails to act, it could potentially put the entire school community at risk, leading to long-term psychological and emotional trauma for all involved.

The role of a school police officer is not only about maintaining order but also about ensuring the safety and well-being of the students and staff. The threat of prosecution should not be a deterrent for these officers, as they are already trained to handle such emergencies. The training provided to law enforcement professionals equips them with the necessary skills to assess and respond to dangerous situations, making prosecution an unlikely and impractical option.

The School Bus Driver and Teacher Comparison

аналогия между водителем школьного автобуса и учителем может быть использована для подчеркивания того, что также ожидается, чтобы школа установила правила и требовала использования оружия охранниками school police officers in case of emergency. Just as a school bus driver is expected to drive a bus safely and a teacher is expected to teach, a school police officer should be expected to use their training to protect the school and the children within it. Failing to do so should not be pardoned but subjected to scrutiny.

The Dereliction of Duty

During a school shooting, the failure to act can be likened to a dereliction of duty. The punishments for dereliction of duty in military service can range from sanctions up to and including the death penalty in times of war. While the maximum punishment for service members outside of wartime is a dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for up to one year to ten years for special pay under 37 USC 310, similar consequences should be considered for school police officers.

In the event of a school shooting, the situation could be portrayed as being akin to "in times of war," thus justifying a more severe punitive measure. The resource officer position was an attempt to balance both sides of the debate: those advocating for no guns at all, including teachers, and those supporting armed guards. The issue, however, lies in the fact that these officers often treat the position as a supplementary income rather than a serious commitment to public safety.

Conclusion

The role of school police officers is a critical one, encompassing the responsibility to protect and serve, even in the face of severe challenges. To expect anything less would be a disservice to the community. While the idea of prosecution might seem extreme, the potential for harm and the need for a deterrent against such inaction make it a necessary consideration. Schools must ensure that their resource officers are fully committed to their duties and that there are appropriate consequences for those who fail to fulfill their responsibilities.