Active shooter drills in schools could be reduced after complaints from students, teachers

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — There's a move to drop the number of active shooter drills for schools in our area and across the state.

The reason? Parents say monthly drills are too traumatic for their kids.

Right now, schools are required to hold one active shooter drill each month.

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The Marjory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Commission wants to bring that number down to just six times a year.

Parents Action News Jax reporter Courtney Cole spoke to said they think every month is too much.

"If it's necessary, it's necessary. But don't traumatize the children," Jennie Szaltis said.

The drills are part of the safety requirements for schools in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Act.

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It was passed after the mass murder of students and teachers at Marjory Stoneman last February.

"It does seem like a lot. You want kids to know how to respond when situations come up, but maybe not use the term 'active shooter drills.' There's different ways to react to different situations," Lori Lunitz said.

Action News Jax reported last week that Duval County School Police are also making safety improvements in six specific areas to guard against threats, including:

• Increased lighting
• Perimeter fencing
• The creation of a visitor management system
• A student identification badge system
• Walk-through metal detectors
• Cameras

Lunitz told Cole she thinks parents and school leaders need to share the responsibility.

"I think we just all, at home and at school, need to keep re-enforcing, that there are so many things we can do to teach our kids how to treat others— and that will help with the mental well-being of others, which will then hopefully help with the physical well-being of others," said Lunitz.

Cole reached out to Duval, St. Johns and Clay County school districts. They all told her they will comply with the law. They also said they're prepared to adapt if the Governor agrees to drop the number of active shooter drills.

Cox Media Group