Proposal Created Immediate Local Reaction, Not Realistic Policy
You may have read or heard news stories about a bill introduced this week to amend the state’s concealed carry law to allow guns in Wisconsin’s private schools as a pilot project to improve school safety.
The bill was never under serious consideration, says WCRIS Executive Director Sharon Schmeling.
“It was introduced in the Assembly the day before they adjourned so there was no time to act on it. And, it was offered by a legislator who is not running for re-election and therefore won’t be back to the capitol to follow up on the proposal in future legislative sessions,” she noted.
While the proposal served to create a local “news angle” to stories about the Florida school shooting, it didn’t have a chance of going anywhere in Wisconsin for now, Schmeling said.
If schools want to focus on security, Schmeling recommends they develop or update their school security and crisis plan. An excellent guide for doing that is available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Guide for Developing High Quality Emergency Operations Plans.
In addition to the guide, school leaders should use their local law enforcement office as a resource. The local police department or County Sheriff’s office can provide expert help and will welcome an opportunity to review or shape your plan, Schmeling said.
