Opinion 3

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Opinion

Safe in the storm Security excels in the protection of students

by Max Huskins Reporter

I

t would be logical that special training for security guards would be essential at all public schools, but it does not seem to be the case outside of Vancouver Public Schools. Surprisingly some districts have very minimal security measures, if any at all compared to VPS. I never realized how safe I am at Skyview and at its public events, such as football games. I did not know this, but Vancouver Public School District has a very effective security policy compared to others districts according to District Resource Officer Jonathan Lawrence. Our staff is professionally trained and certified, armed and uniformed. Our security is always ready to respond to almost any situation in matter of seconds, whether its an injury, a fight or even a shooting. At all times during Skyview events there are trained officials present in case of any situation. If the situation requires backup, school security is ready to contact local police forces. Our security are also trained to detected any signs of students coming to the games under the influence of alcohol and drugs, constantly scanning the crowds for any sign of danger and people who are potentially endangering those around them. Some students claim that there are still people who come to the events while being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, although I have not encountered such problems

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Editor in Chief...................................................Macey Burt Managing Editor...............................................Briana Diehl Photo Manager.................................................Austin Tilley Opinion & News Editor........................Vanderson Langjahr Features Editor.............................................Michelle Chang Arts and Entertainment Editor....................Madison Graves Sports Editor.....................................................Allison Ford Reporters............................................................Sage Ferrell ....................................................................... Max Huskins .............................................................................Eriq King .............................................................................Jayde Polk ....................................................................Makena Watson Interns..............................................................Selina Cairel .......................................................................Sarah Durmaz ...........................................................................Tanner Kee ................................................................Shannon Korsgren ...................................................................Mirjeta Livoreka ...........................................................................Lizzy Rowe Adviser.............................................................Lydia Brooks

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MAX HUSKINS Dave Clark, district resource officer, patrols Kiggins Bowl during a soccer game. Clark has been working for the Vancouver district for over a decade. Student safety is the number one priority of district officials.

while attending Skyview’s football games. Evergreen District security is very different from what we have in VPS. They do not wear uniforms, they are not armed, nor do they have the special training that our security receive. I found it very difficult to find security during the Evergreen game, because they look just like normal people wearing everyday clothing. I did not have to go through a bag check while entering the game, which would make potential possession of illegal substances very easy and possible. The great part about the VPS

security system is that although our security measures may not seem strict, the situation is always held under professional control. Districts that are lacking in safety measures need to step up their game.

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