From Deseret News archives:
Officials split on teacher gun class
Some feel professionals should handle security
The Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training Council did not take action on the proposal, which was brought to Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff by a constituent in the Nebo School District.
"They're still going to be teachers, but they're going to carry a weapon," Shurtleff told the POST Council on Wednesday, adding that the idea would be "that they be allowed to have some training."
The training would put the teachers in the category of "special function officer," much like a school district security officer, a hospital security officer, a constable or a port of entry agent.
Utah state law already allows people with concealed-weapons permits to carry guns on school grounds. School districts across the state have different policies about where those guns can be kept, banning them from being stored in places like desks or coat closets.
Members of the POST Council seemed divided on the idea.
Shupe said the Utah Chiefs of Police Association has already stated its opposition to the training idea.
"They feel like the security of the schools ought to be left to the professionals and not teachers who are part-time cops," he said.
Questions were also raised about who would pay for the training, if the teacher answers to the school district or a police department and who would be liable for a gun-carrying school employee.
San Juan County Sheriff Mike Lacy said in rural areas, districts can't afford school resource officers. He supports the idea.
"We've got many miles where a police officer may not get there for a half-hour or 45 minutes," Lacy said. "It's just something that makes sense. I think it's critical they have something."
Lacy said that as a concealed weapons instructor, he has personally taught 15 school teachers in his area who now have concealed-weapons permits.
"I'm looking at the safety of the kids more than anything else, and that's the bottom line," he said.
Many school districts contacted by the Deseret Morning News on Wednesday were cool to the idea.
Recent comments
I was looking for information regarding the Oregon teacher's lawsuit...
Amber | Oct. 17, 2007 at 1:10 p.m.
- Festival of Trees includes roadster 2:14 a.m.
- Getting serious about seat belts 1:15 a.m.
- Witness describes '99 killing 1:15 a.m.
- Police increase presence at Skyline 1:14 a.m.
- Cougars cruise past Southern 1:03 a.m.
- Utes fall to Seattle U. at home 1:01 a.m.
- Utah celebrates Real Salt Lake Day 12:59 a.m.
- Y. focused on 10-win season 12:54 a.m.
- Thunder rolls by Jazz 12:49 a.m.
- Sloan remembers Abe Pollin 12:47 a.m.
- Utah, BYU are top choices for bowls
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
- Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
- KSL: Prostitution in Utah County
- Best prep football games of 2009
- Man trapped in own body for 23 yrs
- Kirilenko climbing blocks list
- Witness describes '99 killing
- Boys basketball rankings
- 'Dancing' will fill out finale
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
232 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
224 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
202 - Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
189 - Bronco, Kyle rubber match
137 - BYU records with win
133 - Letters: Rushing to judge Palin
122 - Hall, Johnson matchup key
102 - Jazz finally win in San Antonio
99 - 4A: Timpview wins 4th in 4 years
93
Maya was wronged. The trophy was stolen. The judges had to give him a 30 so...
Go Coug's I'll be there at LES and I expect a great finsh from Max Pitta and Co.
At least he won't be a stupid Junior. Has anyone played worse in the rivalry...
I was hoping they would win, but the were up against a lot of great talent....
I agree completely with your comments about Jay Leno. He goes way to far and...
I, too, think Mr. Gale does a great job with his articles. His...
We should drill more and lower the price globally for oil. Fine build nuclear...
No I don't own a poster of shirtless Jacob - but there is a huge difference...
Gary, What nonsense! Specify the emails that "prove" deception. You...
if you guys don't think soccer is a sport? then what do you consider a sport?...


