SAINT PAUL, MN – Rep. Elliott Engen (R-Lino Lakes), introduced the Safe Haven In Every Local District (SHIELD) Act, providing schools with resources to upgrade and install comprehensive, multifaceted security systems in schools.
“My number one priority is the safety of our students and staff,” said Engen. “Students, parents, and teachers should not have to wonder if their school is equipped and prepared for any given emergency situation. The SHIELD Act will make Minnesota a national leader in school safety, and allow our districts to teach and learn without worry.”
Under Engen’s proposed legislation, resources are made available to school districts for the installment of infrastructure that alerts, detects, and deters threats on school grounds. Several schools have already implemented safety upgrades available through this bill, including Emergency Alert Systems within classrooms, hidden ballistic shielding panels and window films, magnetic door-locking systems, and central communication systems which allow First Responders to know the live location and movements of an active threat within a building.
Minnesota schools equipped with these upgrades have faster law enforcement response times, and emergency school procedures, like lockdowns, are activated with increased safety for students and teachers.
Engen continued, “This bill cuts through political noise and offers solutions to assure the safety of all students and teachers. I hope we can act to get this done.”
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