Armed and considered capable? Law enforcement officers’ attitudes about armed teacher policies in the USA

Active shooter events, including those in K-12 schools the USA, continue to occur. In an effort protect students, faculty, and staff, several states have implemented policies allowing teachers be armed while on school premises, with more expected follow suit. While recent research surveys general public, administrators, policing executives (from a single state) regarding their perceptions of teacher policies, there is dearth literature that examines issue from law enforcement community’s perspective. The present study utilizes nationwide survey officers, collected 2020, encompass wide variety job duties, agency types/sizes, types communities served. We find widespread support for policies; however, respondents expressed desire additional training better prepare them respond active event. Additional implications policymakers administrators considering this policy are offered.