ASHWAUBENON, Wis. — Some school districts in the Green Bay area have signed agreements with their local police departments that allow off-duty officers to bring guns to school events.
The Green Bay Press-Gazette reported (http://gbpg.net/14Qq2aZ) that the Ashwaubenon School Board recently approved the move. The Green Bay School District has a similar agreement with local police.
"We see it as a safety measure," Ashwaubenon Superintendent Brian Hanes said. "This is a preventative measure."
Wisconsin's concealed carry law enacted in November 2011 prohibits weapons in schools and other areas. But the law allows concealed weapons on school grounds if districts reach an agreement with an individual or his or her employer that would allow that person to carry a weapon.
"If they happen to be there with a gun, if something bad happens, you want the good guys to have weapons," said Barbara Dorff, executive director of pupil services for the Green Bay School District. "The memorandum of understanding gives them permission to do that."
Officers on active duty can already carry firearms under the concealed carry law, according to the Wisconsin Department of Justice. The administrators say an off-duty officer can provide extra security.
"We figure they are professional, so if they happen to be at a basketball game or track meet, it's a safety link," Hanes said. "You can't be too safe."
