TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — While Palo Verde High School freshman Aaren Griffiths waited at the bus stop, the recent spate of school threats, both local and nationwide, were on his mind.
“People would just show what they’re posting and be like, 'Guys, watch out,'” Griffiths said. “I saw one (where) they’re going to pull the fire alarm, and when everyone goes outside, they’re going to shoot everybody.”
The threats were what prompted the Tucson Unified School District to hold a virtual community meeting with Tucson Police Department.
Joe Hallums, TUSD’s director of school safety was at the meeting and said during credible threats, they have lockdowns and secure perimeters.
“Obviously our goal is to prevent anything from happening,” Hallums said.
When it comes to training, he said school safety personnel do active shooter drills and teachers get resources. However, he said teachers don’t do drills with students.
“We understand that during a critical situation, we just want them out of sight behind a locked door,” he said.
During the meeting, TUSD superintendent Dr. Gabriel Trujillo said TUSD has the only armed school safety force in Arizona. He also said any student who makes a threat will get immediately expelled.
WATCH MEETING RECORDING:
However, students are wondering if TPD's actions are enough to keep them safe.
“They don’t have the doors locked because of the threats. They’re still open or they’re unlocked. I think they should keep them locked,” Griffiths sad.
The Tucson Police Department said people should not repost the threats because that can make it hard for them to find the original student or person who posted it. They said it can also be hard to find out whether it’s a national post or from somebody local.
Trujillo said the recent bond voters passed is going towards updated fencing, windows, and cameras.
Meanwhile, students said they’re staying calm.
“They’re not going to do anything, so no, I’m not scared,” student Esmeralda Loaiza said.
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Andrew Christiansen is a reporter for KGUN 9. Before joining the team, Andrew reported in Corpus Christi, Texas for KRIS6 News, Action 10 News and guest reported in Spanish for Telemundo Corpus Christi. Share your story ideas with Andrew by emailing andrew.christiansen@kgun9.com or by connecting on Facebook, or Twitter.
