BRYAN, Texas — In yet another incident that has sparked concerns about firearm safety in educational settings, a private security officer employed at Bowen Elementary School in the Bryan Independent School District (BISD) was terminated earlier this month for leaving a gun unattended in a staff restroom.
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Although the incident posed no immediate threat to students or staff, it highlights ongoing challenges in managing armed security officers on school campuses.
School Security Officer Dismissal Details
The situation unfolded when the private security officer, contracted through TNT Security Solutions, left a gun unattended in the restroom, reports KBTX. A vigilant staff member discovered the firearm and promptly reported it, ensuring that no students came into contact with the weapon. The school district acted swiftly by terminating the officer’s employment, as confirmed by a BISD spokesperson.
BISD communicated the incident to parents via a voice message, acknowledging the potential concerns such events might cause for families.
This incident is not isolated. Similar cases of security personnel leaving firearms in school restrooms have occurred across the country, raising questions about the effectiveness of armed security in schools.
Should Schools Have Armed Officers?
The issue of firearms being left unattended in schools is part of a troubling pattern. According to recent reports, there have been multiple instances where armed officers have forgotten their guns in restrooms on K-12 campuses.
For example, a recent case in Indiana involved a school protection officer who was dismissed after a student found his gun in a Honey Creek Middle School bathroom.
Campus Safety has documented several such incidents. In some cases, the officers’ firearms were even found by students, posing significant risks to school safety.
The recurrence of these incidents has prompted security experts to call for improved protocols and training for armed officers in schools. Dr. John Weinstein, a firearms training expert, recommends strict disciplinary measures for officers who leave their weapons unattended. He suggests that these incidents should lead to severe penalties, such as suspension without pay or termination, to underscore the gravity of such lapses.
Weinstein also advises on practical measures to prevent these oversights when officers are using restrooms, such as ensuring that firearms remain securely holstered or are visibly placed, making it less likely for officers to forget their guns.
