It is reported in today's Tampa Bay Times that the Hillsborough County School District will be placing School resource officers in each elementary school.

Part One
A reader, John Mackechnie, posted these excellent proposals on my Facebook page that he believes could help put the proposed SRO's into schools:

"How about placement for state security officers in good standing. Which are hired by local law enforcement. Who can almost guarantee quality of individuals, training and training updates. This would free up the limited resources of each law enforcement community as well as bring in a new pool of candidates. Who can fill in other areas of emergency needs like man power to stand at strategic points as was endured by our last years flooding. There were law enforcement officers stuck at intersections for hours upon hours in the rain with no option for relief. Their experience can be put to better use else where. For instance life saving, actual protection of life or management of security officers.

These new state licensed D and G security guards must receive additional training to obtain this new license code (S for School)(I for Industrial). This license should include emergency first aid (EFA code), communications (COMMS code) with dispatch and local school boards, How to view possible threat s and the immediate communication of them. The security guard would still observe and report all activities in their full observable range....

Part Two

This is the second part of John's suggestions:

"They must remain on property as is now by law. Bring in an allowance for them to use digital cameras, so they can use zoom features to record suspicious persons, activities and/or vehicles. This would be only for the school and industrial licensed security officers.

Preference of the hiring of these new security guards can be from the retirement law enforcement community who can prove overall fitness and skill. Former military persons who have a provable history of security practices. Also the civilian security who has a proven history of being in good standing with the state..."

Part Three

This is the third part of John's suggestions:

"Just thought of some more. An emergency management related code for those who can or is willing to participate in any emergency management activities. Just in case. By empowering the local civilian community to obtain these licenses. The State of Florida becomes the national leaders in security activities and awareness. Just as the Tampa PD is the National leaders in organization as evidenced by the overwhelming success of the RNC in 2012, Intra coastal and inter coastal water ways security codes as well. Creating a training partnership with the US coast guard, The Florida marine Patrol and local law enforcement communities who operate water craft. The Florida state security guard would be the man power needed by each of the agencies. To be used by the authority in any area deemed necessary."

Thanks, John, for taking the time to share your thougtful ideas and insights.