By Jeff Derderian, WTNH-TV Investigative Reporter
The safety of students in Connecticut schools is at a critical juncture. Recent data and exclusive interviews Jeff Derderian conducted as part of his Exclusive Investigation reveal alarming trends and underscore the urgent need for comprehensive safety measures and mental health support.
A Painful Memory
Jeff Derderian highlights that the issue of school safety has been thrust back into the spotlight, especially following the 25th anniversary of the Columbine school shootings. That tragic day claimed the lives of 20 young children and six adults, forever changing the landscape of school safety in America.
“If somebody makes a threat, they are raising a red flag,” said Amery Bernhardt, head of the Connecticut Center for School Safety and Crisis Preparation.
Exclusive Study Findings
Bernhardt’s office commissioned a study obtained by News 8 that involved interviews with school administrators across Connecticut. Jeff Derderian delves into how the study aimed to address two critical questions:
- Why are students bringing weapons into school?
- How can we reduce this dangerous behavior?
The findings were eye-opening. Students expressed a clear need for increased mental health support, highlighting the importance of emotional learning programs and early intervention from social workers.
Amery Bernhardt: “I think some of the responses went along with emotional learning programs to having a social worker provide interventions. There were a lot of answers that focused on early intervention.”
The Data on Weapons in Schools
Jeff Derderian explores how the study revealed the reasons behind students bringing weapons to school. The highest percentage of students said it was unintentional, meaning they didn’t realize they had a weapon with them. The next most common reason was for safety or protection. Others brought weapons to show off or gain attention, while a smaller percentage intended to threaten or harm others.
According to the Connecticut Department of Education, the 2022/2023 school year saw:
- 454 knives, 2 ½ inches or longer, seized
- 55 handguns were found, marking an 18% increase from the previous year
- 95 pellet guns
- 54 stun guns
- 118 toy guns
One incident involving a toy gun starkly illustrates the gravity of the situation.
A Disturbing Incident
Pooja Flynn, a mother from Middletown, shared a harrowing experience involving her 7-year-old son, Grayson. On a school bus ride, another child pointed a toy gun at Grayson’s face and pulled the trigger.
Pooja Flynn: “There was a child on the bus that had a toy gun, and the kid said, ‘Do you want to see something cool?’ … Yeah sure, my son said. He then pointed the gun at Grayson’s face and pulled the trigger…”
Thankfully, it was a toy gun, but the incident left a lasting impact on Flynn and underscored the pervasive sense of danger that even young children face today.
Flynn: “I know I wanted to get there as soon as I could… my body went numb… toy or not.”
Comprehensive Safety Measures
School safety measures vary widely across districts. Jeff Derderian explains that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Some schools have implemented metal detectors, wand screenings, bulletproof glass, and surveillance cameras. These measures are tailored to the specific needs and resources of each district.
Joe Dooley, a former law enforcement officer and current representative of Mutualink, explained how their automated emergency response system enhances school safety. The system links schools with local and state police, as well as SWAT teams, providing real-time tracking of active threats.
Joe Dooley: “Within seconds, we bring in a colorized floor plan with the cameras plotted on this map. It will bring in the school’s radio system…”
The Need for Mental Health Support
Jeffrey Derderian emphasizes that the call for increased mental health support is loud and clear. Students themselves are advocating for emotional learning programs and the presence of social workers to provide early interventions. Addressing the root causes of why students bring weapons to school is crucial in creating a safer environment.
Moving Forward
The tragic memory of Columbine and the ongoing incidents of school violence remind us of the critical need for proactive measures. Enhanced security protocols and mental health support can help mitigate the risks and ensure a safe learning environment for students.
Jeff Derderian calls attention to the fact that as we reflect on these findings and stories, it’s clear that the world today is a much different place, even for young children. Ensuring their safety requires a multi-faceted approach that includes both physical security measures and robust mental health support.
Flynn: “Never… never… I never thought I’d have to talk with my 7-year-old about guns and make sure to say something.”
This exclusive report from Jeff Derderian, based on data-driven research, highlights the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address the crisis of weapons in Connecticut schools. Only on Channel 8 we continue to investigate and report on the critical issues impacting our communities.
