Boston superintendent: arming school police is not the answer

Boston Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Carol Johnson is responding to the reported criticism of school police preparedness in the event of a shooting.

Dr. Johnson, who refers to the Dec. 14 mass shooting in Newtown, Conn. in her statement, says that Boston schools are safe and that she will do whatever she can to increase their safety.

"The events in Newtown, CT have, rightfully so, put all of us on edge. While I think there is always more we can do to make our schools even more secure and safe, I don't believe arming our school police officers is the answer, and neither do the parents I've spoken with. We must do all we can to secure our buildings while at the same time making our schools welcoming and nurturing environments. We can't do this alone; it requires a team effort from Boston School Police, the Boston Police Department, every member of my administration, and our parents. Our schools are safe, and I'll do everything I can to make them even safer at every opportunity," says the superintendent.

The statement comes the same day as the Boston Globe published a report about some members of the Boston School Department's police force feeling unprepared for an attack like the one in Newtown, Conn.

Some members reportedly feel that being unable to carry guns and not having bulletproof vests makes them ill-prepared for a shooting. They also voiced concern about their radio system, which prevents them from communicating directly with Boston Police.

The newspaper reports that Johnson is looking into giving bulletproof vests to the officers and potential changes to their radio system.

Cox Media Group