During Tuesday night’s school board meeting, the Altoona Area School District approved a recent policy amendment that would allow school officers to have access to semi-automatic rifles in the event of an emergency.
As the discussion about arming school police officers ramps up nationwide, the Altoona Area School Board voted in favor of the policy change.
Officials clarified that the officers would be required to undergo full training before having access to the weapons.
Authorities add that the rifles would be stored away unless it is absolutely necessary to use them.
“Honestly, we have not had anyone call us with any major concerns. Our families want to make sure that their kids are as safe and secure as they can be, when they leave the home and come to school for the day,”