Sheriff Suggests Deputizing School Teachers/Staff

Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at 9:37 AM

The sheriff said any program like this would also include additional background checks and psychological checks above and beyond what is necessary to obtain a concealed carry permit in the first place.

During an appearance Wednesday morning on 90.9FM KSJE's "The Scott Michlin Morning Program" San Juan County Sheriff Ken Christesen said he would consider deputizing school teachers and staff who want to have concealed carry permissions on school grounds. In the wake of recent school shootings, including one December 7, 2017 at Aztec High School that left two students and the shooter dead, the sheriff says more needs to be done to protect students at school. The sheriff said any program like this would also include additional background checks and psychological checks above and beyond what is necessary to obtain a concealed carry permit in the first place.

The sheriff says he wants to meet with city, county and school officials this week to see how this idea could be implemented at schools in San Juan County. He says this is the start of an ongoing conversation to improve student safety.

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