A recent report quoted a letter I had sent for the hearings on increased gun presence in schools, and I stand by my argument against such measures (“Proposals to arm school staff draw emotional arguments at State House,” April 26). I want, however, to reiterate part of my letter that was not quoted.

Currently, many schools have restrictions to access of school buildings and have a resource officer, usually a member of the local police department, as well as other precautions for student safety. I fully support these current policies. Police officers are not only trained in gun use and safety, they are trained to diffuse potentially volatile situations. I worked in two schools with resource officers, and witnessed first-hand incidents in which they calmly handled situations, without force or use of guns, that could have potentially escalated. I understand that we were fortunate to have exemplary officers who worked with students in positive ways – often, through their work, helping students turn their lives around.

I know this may not be everyone’s experience and I am sorry for that, just as I am sorry that there is a need for any of these measures to ensure our students’ well-being. However, it makes more sense to me to support school resource officers with specific training in working with young people and ensuring school security than to put guns in the hands of people who do not have their training and experience. Believe me, teachers have enough to do.

Susan Twombly
Kennebunk