KATY, Texas – A retired Harris County sheriff deputy is criticizing Katy Independent School District’s plan arming elementary school security guards.
Robert Amboree, who spent over two decades in law enforcement, doesn’t believe security guards are enough to be stationed at schools. He believes it’s cutting corners.
“The mental skillsets that you have to be a police officer is a lot different than being a security guard,” Amboree said. “Sometimes you have to make split second decisions and you’re trained for that.”
The district in a statement to KPRC 2 said they’re complying with House Bill 3 passed during last year’s special session requiring armed guards at every school.
“This school year, and in alignment with House Bill 3 (2023) Level 3 security officers have been assigned to every Katy ISD elementary campus,” said a Katy ISD spokesperson. “Just like the police officers that have been serving the district’s secondary schools for years, the elementary Level 3 security officers are thoroughly vetted and trained in safety practices, use of firearms, security threats, and more.”
Parents with kids in the district told KPRC 2′s Rilwan Balogun they’re fine with arming the guards if they’re properly trained.
“Not just training in a classroom,” said a parent of a child at Roberston Elementary. “I need you to be in a course. I need you to see what it’s like to have a child pop up. An active shooter pops up. In my mind, I think about how I would want to be trained tactically if I was charged with protecting people’s children.”
The parent, who did not want to be identified, shared that she regularly speaks with the officer at Robertson Elementary. She believes if the relationship her family has with the officer at their school is replicated elsewhere, the children are in good hands.
“She knows my child by name,” the parent said. “She speaks to all of the children in such a respectful way that garners respect from them.”
Part of the qualifications for the role includes having a Level 3-Armed Security Officer License with the state while also possessing, “skills and interest in working within an educational environment.”
Amboree said ideally a retired member of law enforcement should be in the role but thinks the $40,000 pay will deter many.
“They don’t want to pay an officer what $25, $35 an hour? They don’t want to pay an officer that much money when you can pay somebody $15 or $20 dollars an hour. It’s a big difference,” Amboree said.
Katy ISD Response
“The safety of Katy ISD’s 95,000 students, and thousands of staff and families, is the number one priority as our school community delivers premier educational experiences across over 100 campuses and support facilities daily. This school year, and in alignment with House Bill 3 (2023) Level 3 security officers have been assigned to every Katy ISD elementary campus. Just like the police officers that have been serving the district’s secondary schools for years, the elementary Level 3 security officers are thoroughly vetted and trained in safety practices, use of firearms, security threats, and more.” - Katy ISD Spokesperson
School boards must vote for exceptions to law
The Texas Education Agency says: A school board may claim an exception to the September 1st law if they lack the funding or available personnel. Districts that ask for an exception must develop an alternative plan that may include a school marshal or other armed staff member.
Filing an exception gives districts more time to figure out what to do.
The Texas Education Agency stated the following:
“There is no date written in the statute for when a district must have armed security at each campus. However, a good cause exception is considered to be in compliance with the law.”