Compton school saftey officers allowed to carry AR-15s
http://www.losangelesregister.com/articles/school-603585-police-officers.htmlCompton school police authorized to carry assault rifles
The topic of police and heavy firepower continued Monday, not because of another shooting but because students at Compton Unified School District returned to school with officers permitted to carry assault rifles.
During the summer, school board officials approved a measure that would allow qualifying campus police officers to carry AR-15 semi-automatic rifles in their vehicles while on duty.
Officials with the Los Angeles School Police Department, which serves schools in the L.A. Unified School District, have said none of the rifles are stored on school grounds. They would only be deployed to schools as part of an emergency response, chief Steve Zipperman said.
Some community members think the new measures will make students feel uncomfortable rather than safe from others.
“It sends the wrong message to students: like [police] see students as potential threats,” said Francisco Orozco, a Dominguez High School graduate and founder of the Compton Democratic Club. “Students might feel more distrusted by the district.”
Compton Unified Police Chief William Wu introduced the idea to the board at a July 8 meeting where he argued that officers were underequipped for mass shootings and suspects who wear body armor, according to meeting documents.
“This is our objective – save lives, bottom line,” Wu told the board.
He cited an FBI study that showed around 5 percent of mass shooters wore body armor. Standard handguns aren’t equipped to take down a suspect wearing such armor. They also can’t shoot far enough, he said.
“A rifle allows accurate fire….at up to 100 yards,” Wu said.
Officers would have to meet criteria to carry rifles including: going through training, passing interviews and being recommended by a supervisor. They would also have to purchase the rifles themselves.The Los Angeles School Police Department is one of a few school districts across California that does deploy high-powered rifles to officers as needed.
Orozco, 23, of Compton argued that preparing for mass shootings and acquiring rifles is “paranoia.” He said school officials could do better by acquiring more security guards and ensuring that campus counselors communicate with police officers about potentially violent students.
“These aren’t jails, they’re institutions of education.”
Wu said only select officers would be able to participate in the new measure. It is anticipated to start next month.
Staff writer Fermin Leal contributed to this report.
Contact the writer: afausto@losangelesregister.com
