Do Armed Guards Prevent School Shootings?
Evidence & Alternatives
Prepared by Warren Pulley – CrisisWire Threat Management Solutions
■ crisiswire@proton.me | ■ https://rypulmedia.wixsite.com/crisiswire
Introduction
Each time a school shooting occurs, communities ask the same question:
Would armed guards or School Resource Officers (SROs) have prevented it?
This debate is central to U.S. school safety policy. Some point to deterrence; others argue
that reliance on guards
ignores deeper systemic failures. This article examines the evidence, the myths, and the
alternatives.
The Argument for Armed Guards
- **Deterrence Effect:** Visible armed presence may dissuade attackers.
- **Rapid Response:** On-site personnel can respond before law enforcement arrives.
- **Community Reassurance:** Parents and boards often feel safer knowing someone is
armed on campus.
The Limits of Armed Guards
- **Uvalde, 2022:** Armed officers failed to stop the shooter despite presence.
- **Columbine, 1999:** An armed deputy was on campus but unable to prevent mass
casualties.
- **Parkland, 2018:** An armed deputy remained outside during the attack.
Studies show armed presence alone does not guarantee lives saved.
Alternative Approaches
- **Threat Assessment Teams (TATs):** Identifying students of concern before violence
escalates (CSTAG, NTAC).
- **Access Control:** Locked/protected entrances reduce entry points.
- **Behavioral Interventions:** Counseling, restorative justice, and student support services.
- **Training:** Staff and student preparedness (run-hide-fight, communication protocols).
Case Studies
- **Stopped:** In Dixon, Illinois (2018), a school resource officer successfully stopped a
shooter after first shots fired.
- **Failed:** In Santa Fe, Texas (2018), armed guards did not prevent 10 deaths.
The data suggest armed guards are sometimes effective — but inconsistently so.
Leadership Responsibility
Boards, superintendents, and policymakers must weigh liability:
- Are armed guards trained to active shooter standards?
- Are they part of a layered safety plan or a single-point solution?
- Does reliance on firearms overshadow prevention strategies?
Resources & Backlinks
- CrisisWire Blog Hub: https://rypulmedia.wixsite.com/crisiswire/blog
- Services: https://rypulmedia.wixsite.com/crisiswire/services
- Reddit Hub: https://www.reddit.com/user/crisiswire/m/rcrisiswireassessments/
- Book: Campus Under Siege (Amazon) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FS76C1Y4
- Secret Service NTAC: https://www.secretservice.gov/protection/ntac
- FBI Active Shooter Resources:
https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/violent-crime/active-shooter-resources
Call to Action
Armed guards may help — but they are no silver bullet.
True safety requires layered prevention, leadership accountability, and community vigilance.
■ crisiswire@proton.me
■ https://rypulmedia.wixsite.com/crisiswire
FAQ
Q: Do armed guards stop school shootings?
A: Sometimes, but evidence shows mixed results.
Q: What works better than armed guards?
A: Threat assessment teams, locked access points, staff/student preparedness.
Q: Should every school have armed guards?
A: Not necessarily; local context and resources matter.
Q: Are armed guards legally required?
A: No. Decisions are made district by district, sometimes state by state.
Q: What role should leadership play?
A: Ensure any armed presence is part of a broader, layered safety strategy.
