Politics & Government
Lawmakers Push Rhode Island School Access Bill For First Responders
The proposal would require public and private schools to create safety plans that allow emergency access.
PROVIDENCE, RI — Two Rhode Island lawmakers have introduced legislation that would require public and private schools to create safety plans giving first responders quick access during emergencies.
The bills brought by state Sen. Todd M. Patalano, D-Cranston, and Rep. Joseph J. Solomon Jr., D-Warwick, would require schools and educational institutions to develop and implement a school safety plan providing that access.
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Under the proposal, each plan would include immediate and unobstructed access to buildings, classrooms and school grounds for law enforcement personnel and emergency medical personnel. The legislation says that access could be provided through secure electronic entry systems, key fobs, card access, manual key access or other means.
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“This adds another layer of security to our schools,” Patalano, a major with the Cranston Police Department, said in a media release.
“In incidents where there is an active shooter or other grave danger, we want police officers to be unhindered so they can quickly neutralize the threat," Patalano said. "In all of these cases, the incident is over in three to seven minutes. In Cranston, for instance, all police officers have key fobs granting them instant access to all school buildings, and this legislation would make certain that all communities and private educational institutions have a similar plan in place.”
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Solomon said recent events underscored the need for a coordinated response.
“The recent tragic events at Brown University and Lynch Arena in Pawtucket have shown us all too well the need for a quick, coordinated response to dangerous situations,” Solomon said in the release.
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“I would like to see every community and private school in Rhode Island adopt this safety plan for those dangerous situations where seconds matter," Solomon said.
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