Letter to the Editor: Twinsburg Schools Need Constant Police Presence

Pam Fakner December 19, 2012 at 06:14 pm

I agree!!!

Justin Waite December 19, 2012 at 06:43 pm

Agree 100%. All schools should have only one entry point into the building which is monitored at all time via A) a camera that feeds into the office and B) a police officer who's packing heat.

Justin Waite December 19, 2012 at 07:05 pm

Also, I'm not familiar with this 'buzzer' system but can't imagine that it helps anyone feel safe. That said, I would venture a guess that there are many other technological solutions that could be in place to enhance the safety in schools. As for 'budgetary concerns' I'd have to imagine the school systems put safety first. If that's the case, it should be a no brainer.... at least in the immediate future. If that's not the case, then there is a greater debate here about the school's priorities. Also, there are integration capabilities that Facebook/Twitter allow for people to pull data through their open API. The school system could use this technology to look for key 'alarm' words in order to learn about threats and possibly derail them before they ever occur. With that, I think threats (no matter how they are delivered - in person, on the internet, etc) should be met with jail time.

Michele P December 19, 2012 at 07:34 pm

Then what about the windows? How do we keep someone from breaking a window and entering that way? My kids are grown and no longer in the school system and while I understand the concern, I'm not sure if that is a solution.

Justin Waite December 19, 2012 at 08:05 pm

What if? What if? What if? What if we did nothing at all because there wasn't 1 good answer? I don't have kids in the school system... I did vote YES on the levy and will do whatever I can to ensure that kids in the community remain safe. Putting an officer in the building doesn't solve ALL problems.. but it sure helps.

callie December 19, 2012 at 08:27 pm

Like michele said what about the windows and all the other doors.? Who will fund this....the schools that are already having troubles or the government that is broke. We are lucky if we can protect the president of the United State. If someone wants to harm someone they will find a way. I to have a son in Dodge...there is no easy answer. Are we really safe any where? I will continue to live my life and not one of fear. I am blessed for everyday.

Chris Kimmel December 20, 2012 at 04:57 pm

A police officer at the school would patrol the building. While he's away from the front door, nobody enters. If someone breaks in another way, a police officer would do what police officers do. He would run toward the trouble to neutralize while calling the cavalry on his radio. You can't overstate the deterrent factor. Bad guys avoid police officers for obvious reasons.
Cost is certainly a factor but it can't be the deciding factor. Immediately, pull 2 Twinsburg PD off patrol & put them in the school buildings. Next, hire off-duty, uniformed officers from Solon, Reminderville, Hudson, Summit County Sheriff, etc... for the other 3 buildings. Mayor, Chief of Police & Superintendent go to Rockwell, Goodrich, GE, Cleveland Clinic, UH ... and ask for contribution to mitigate cost in short term. Longer term costs can be addressed by the voters. (Suggestions meant to be illustrative of possible ideas) There is no question that this would help secure our schools. It can be done. Twinsburg can lead others by example.