CALDWELL, Idaho — The Caldwell School District expanded security capabilities for its private security officers, allowing additional defensive tools including pepper spray, tasers, and rifles to be used if needed.
Disappearance of School Resource Officers
In July, the district was forced to cut school resource officers (SROs) due to budget constraints and a supplemental levy that failed in May.
The district contracted with the Caldwell Police Department, with officers in the role as SROs.
The district replaced SROs with three security officers from Eagle Eye Security stationed at Caldwell High School, Canyon Springs, and Syringa Middle School.
Eagle Eye Security is a private security company the district contracts with. The security officers are police but have former law enforcement or military background.
The private security officers are also armed with handguns.
Pepper spray, tasers, rifles allowed for security officers
During the Dec. 9 board meeting, trustees considered and ultimately approved allowing these private security officers to carry expanded defensive equipment. The decision came after nearly two months after a Caldwell student was arrested with a weapon at Caldwell High School.
Eric Phillips, the district's director of security, emphasized the need for intermediate force options.
"Besides their mere presence, they have hands-on and deadly force," Phillips explained. "There are things that could happen require a higher level of force besides just simply hands-on or physical control but is not justified to use the deadly weapon."
The proposed intermediate additions include pepper spray, pepper gel and tasers.
They also considered allowing the security officers access to rifles.
"Handguns are great especially in the day today, but at the end of the day, they can be easily defeated by someone who has a long rifle themselves if they were to engage in a threat," Phillips added.
Jessica Watts, the district's communications director, added the district would be better prepared in a scenario where a longer-range defense is needed.
The rifles would be purchased and owned by Eagle Eye Security. The rifles would also be stored in school gun safes.
Watts told KTVB the private security officers would need to get certified to use pepper spray, pepper gel, tasers and rifles.
The board vote revealed mixed opinions. Trustees Trish Robertson and Manuel Godina supported the changes, with Godina stating he was "good with long guns" because he considers them a necessity.
Board Chair Marisela Pesina voted against the proposal.
Vice Chair Travis Manning and Trustee Andrew Butler abstained from voting, with Butler expressing reservations about equipping private security with such tools.
Despite the split decision, the measure passed by a simple majority of 2-1, with board officials noting that abstentions do not count against a proposal.
The vote does not require the security officers to have pepper spray, pepper gel, tasers and rifles. But, if Eagle Eye Security chooses to purchase them, they will be allowed to be used on school campuses.
Watts characterized the decisions as being prepared "for the worst to happen" and providing additional security options.
SROs to return in January
Watts said they will bring back one SRO after winter break.
She said the district received a grant from the State Department of Education that secures enough funding for one SRO for the next three years. The SRO will be a Caldwell Police Officer stationed at Caldwell High School but can roam around the district to other schools when needed.
Watts said the SRO will also be allowed access to a rifle.