School security in the age of mass shootings is a "complex problem" that requires "a layered approach," but generally arming teachers is not the "best idea," former NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly said Sunday.
"I think if you’re going to have security [in schools] you should use professional law enforcement," Kelly, a former Marine colonel, told "The Cats Roundtable" on 970 AM-N.Y. ". . . I know there's been a discussion about arming teachers. As a general policy, I would say 'No.'
"Teachers should teach. Law enforcement should protect."
Kelly did admit there are more remote schools, like in Texas, where arming teachers might make some sense, because of the time it would take for police to arrive.
"As a general proposition, I don't think it's the best idea, but in places that are away from built-up areas where police may take quite awhile to respond, I think it can work," Kelly told host John Catsimatidis. "If people are properly equipped and trained, they can contribute a level of safety.
"But my default position would be, if you're going to have security they should be trained law enforcement professionals."
Kelly, who said he "never been a fan of assault weapons," praised President Donald Trump for opening up the discussion on school safety, background checks, and an assault weapons ban, because "the public wants something done."
"There's no single solution," Kelly said. "This is a complex problem. I think a series of things, sort of a layered approach, can be very helpful to forestalling these types of events or responding more effectively if, God forbid, they happen.
". . . Schools need basic things. They need plans. If an active-shooter event happens, they need to exercise those plans. They need to harden the perimeter of the school: maybe windows; and classroom doors that lock; cameras, obviously; access-control devices. These things cost money – no question about it. School districts don't all have that money. There are grants available . . . that enable schools to harden their whole approach to security."
Kelly also admitted the gun background checks system has "a lot of holes" and requires comprehensive reform, especially with regard to the "high bar" of mental illness that requires a legal history of one mentally ill as having an issue adjudicated or "involuntary committed."
"We certainly need more information on the mental capacity of people who are buying guns," Kelly said. "He talked even about – which surprised me – the possibility of an assault-weapons ban.
"The president is a powerful force, a powerful voice – whoever the president is in this country. The fact that he was open to discussing such ideas, I think, was encouraging. The public wants something done. The horrific events in Parkland and the children that have responded and gotten involved with the [gun control] campaign has really galvanized a lot of support for action in this area.
". . . right now the background [check] system has a lot of holes in it. Drug abuse is one of them."