Louisiana officials discuss school security - WTVM.com-Columbus, GA News Weather & Sports

Louisiana officials discuss school security

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Source: Atlas Security Services Source: Atlas Security Services
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BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) -

Education and law enforcement leaders are taking a look at security procedures in Louisiana schools just one day after President Barack Obama announced his plan to curb violence across the country. Thursday, dozens of people testified about school safety procedures before the House Select Committee on Homeland Security.

State Superintendent John White recommended to lawmakers that they should modify the state law that requires all elementary and secondary public schools to have a written crisis management and response plan. "We think the Legislature would be advised to look at the requirements," said White. "Not just regarding how the plan is required but what is it to be required to be done with it such as rehearsal."

St. James Parish Sheriff Gary Champagne was blunt about the way law enforcement agencies deal with "active shooter" drills. "When a gunman invades a school, we train our deputies to go in and take out the threat; which means to go out and try to kill them," says Champagne.

State Police Superintendent Mike Edmonson explained that the process of getting the state's schools attack proof will take some time. "I wish there was a quick solution," Edmonson told the panel. "It's a work in progress."

State officials have already met with law enforcement in cities like Aurora, CO to get their recommendations.

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