Saturday, January 12, 2013

CO:Sheriff's offer to help arm Teachers a hit


Mass shooting in schools increased at least four-fold since Joe Biden's Gun Free School Zone act was passed in 1990.

Some Colorado Springs teachers responded eagerly Thursday to El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa’s offer to assist with firearms training and waive charges for concealed weapons permits to enhance school security.

“We’re getting calls from people who say they are a teacher and they want a concealed weapons permit,” said Lt. Jeff Kramer, El Paso County Sheriff’s spokesman. “We’re getting inquiries from teachers, administrators and representatives of local school districts.”

Maketa, who supports arming teachers and administrators in schools, told The Gazette about his ideas Wednesday. When the news hit the streets, the calls started.

Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper offered measured support to the idea during an interview Thursday with The Gazette’s editorial board.

Armed teachers or administrators could make schools safer as long as there was “comprehensive training” on using weapons and keeping them stored safely.

The problem is that under state and federal law, guns are not allowed on school grounds under the federal Gun-Free School Zones Act unless carried by law enforcement or security personnel.

More at gazette.com here

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