3-Part Webinar Series
House Bill 3’s (HB-3) armed security requirement for schools is a complex mandate that presents many challenges for Texas school districts.
We are pleased to announce a 3-part webinar series for school board trustees, superintendents, school security personnel and other district leaders who would benefit from a comprehensive discussion of HB-3’s legal requirements and practical implications for Texas school districts and open enrollment charter schools.
Presented by two Texas attorneys, Tyler P. Ezell and Joseph L. Parks, who have significant experience in school law, district operations, school security and law enforcement, this webinar series extends well beyond merely explaining the law and instead provides participants with a detailed discussion of operational elements that should be considered when implementing a safe and effective armed security program in compliance with HB-3.
Part I - Jan 16, 2024
The ABC’s of Peace Officers, School Marshals, Guardians and Armed Guards: Comparing Options for Armed School Security Under Texas House Bill 3
Part I will discuss in detail each of the qualifying armed security options available to school districts to comply with HB-3, including school resource officers, ISD police officers, contract peace officers, school marshals, “guardians” and armed security guards. The differences in training requirements, authority, typical scope of duties and approximate cost of each option will be compared.
Topics:
- Brief Review of HB-3’s Armed Security Provisions
- Overview of Armed Security Staffing in Texas Scools
- Peace Officers (SROs, ISD police officers, contract peace officers)
- School Marshals
- “Guardians”
- Level III Armed Security Officers
- Financial Implications / Cost Comparison
Part II - Jan 23, 2024
Selecting, Equipping and Training Armed School Security Personnel
Part II will discuss important considerations for implementing a safe and effective armed school security program. Qualifications of applicants, personnel selection, duties and responsibilities, weapons and equipment and recommendations for training will be addressed. This webinar will focus on the use of armed school security personnel who are not law enforcement officers.
Topics:
- Three-Pillared Strategy for a Safe and Effective Armed Security Program
- Applicant Qualifications and Selection
- Determining Scope of Duties of Armed School Security Personnel
- Initial and Ongoing Training
- Requirements and Options for Uniform / Attire
- Selection and cost of firearms, holsters and other equipment
Part III - Jan 30, 2024
Policy, Procedure and Legal Considerations
Part III will discuss a number of important policy, procedure and legal considerations when implementing an armed school security program in compliance with HB-3. The differences between law enforcement and security functions, board authorization to carry firearms, policies governing use of deadly force, collaborating with local law enforcement and pitfalls to avoid when contracting with private security companies will be discussed. This webinar will focus on the use of armed school security personnel who are not law enforcement officers.
Topics:
- Differences Between Law Enforcement Functions and Security Functions
- Requirements for School Board Authorization of Staff to Carry Firearms
- Texas Law and Policy Considerations in Use of Force / Deadly Force
- Legal and Operational Issues When Considering Use of Handcuffs or Peppermace by Non-Law Enforcement Personnel
- Important Contractual Terms When Contracting With Private Security Companies
- Critical Collaboration With Local Law Enforcement Agencies