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To the Editor:
I have read your article on school violence and I agree with the article. It was an excellent piece of work. I would like to expand on the article. First, let me say we need to have a trained police officer/security officer in every school to take care of the threat. We send money abroad and waste enough to do that. You cannot put a price on the life of a child.
The presence of a uniform deters criminals and would stop the slaughter of our children. We cannot imagine what these children thought looking down the barrel of a rifle, knowing death was imminent. It should be mandatory that patrol officers patrol around schools in their zone, or do a walk through just to make sure all is well.
In my 40 years as a law enforcement officer I have found criminals will find a way to get a gun if they set their mind to it. I do not support disarming law abiding citizens but I do believe in tighter control over assault weapons. They should be given to law enforcement and military to defend our country.
I have been instructing active shooter training to security officers, constables and others. I projected years ago it was a huge problem and must be dealt with. I must be given top priority to save our children and those who work in places where an active shooter may appear. The thought it can’t happen here is now proven to be wrong; it can happen anywhere. It’s a sad day for America when little children are gunned down in a place where they should be safe.
It’s time to stop the talk and delays and start the action to put trained people in these schools to take care of the problem. They deserve it! I stand ready to help in any way I can. Thanks for permitting me to submit this article.

Kenneth R. Potter
Retired Law Enforcement Officer
Constable 7th District