To Arm, or Not to Arm Your Staff? A Tactical, Legal & Biblical Guide
To Arm, or Not to Arm Your Staff?
Christian school leaders ask it often: *Should we arm staff—and if so, which model fits our theology, laws, insurance, culture, and risk?* This guide gives you a clear, Christ-honoring path: six models, a five-factor board framework, and the governance that makes any choice defensible while preserving a warm, welcoming campus.
Grace and peace to you.
The safety of God’s image-bearers is a matter of stewardship, not fear. Below is a concise roadmap to help Headmasters, boards, and safety teams make informed decisions — legally, pastorally, and operationally — without turning your school into a bunker.
"14 And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.”(Nehemiah 4:14, ESV)`
The Six Models
Presentation vs. Policy
You’ll typically see one of three presentations:
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Uniformed security with open carry
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Plain-clothes adult with open carry
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Concealed/covert carrier you wouldn’t notice
Rule of thumb: The more visible the gun, the stronger the deterrent—and the higher the likelihood of cultural friction (parent optics). Whatever your mode, lock in these non-negotiables:
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Level-two retention holsters for any open carry
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Clear internal identification of authorized carriers
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Written LE deconfliction plan so “good guys” are unmistakable under stress`
Five-Factor Decision Framework
Five-Factor Decision Framework (how boards decide responsibly)
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Threat probability & consequence severity — mission visibility, geography, response times, student density.
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Legal environment — state statute, school authority, permissions, documentation.
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Insurance feasibility — carrier appetite, endorsements, indemnification, cost impacts.
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Theological & community alignment — shepherding, stewardship, conscience accommodation.
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Budget & staffing reality — initial/recurring costs, training cadence, supervision capacity.
Governance & Documentation
Governance & Documentation (what makes any model defensible)
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Board resolution, legal counsel review, and insurer alignment/endorsements.
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Written SOPs: selection criteria; psych/medical screening as appropriate; training/qualification cadence; on-body carry with level-two retention; secure storage; comms & IFF (identify-friend-foe); incident command; post-incident protocols.
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Confidential rosters (need-to-know), LE coordination/MOUs, documented drills, and AARs (after-action reviews).
Document it like you’ll need to defend it—legally, ethically, and pastorally.`
Training Standards
Training That Changes Outcomes
Beyond marksmanship:
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Decision-making under stress
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Positive identification
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Communication & police handoff
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Movement in populated spaces
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Trauma care: tourniquets, wound-packing, airway basics (Stop the Bleed)`
Cadence & Records
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Quarterly range practice (documented)
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Annual scenario evaluations (force-on-force or equivalent)
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Permanent training records
Culture & Communication
Keep the Welcome, Add the Watchfulness
Security should feel like **protective stewardship** of God’s image-bearers, not militancy. Share **principles** (roles, readiness, medical capability) openly while safeguarding **tactics**. Use **age-appropriate messaging** to build confidence among students and parents.
Quick Reference
Quick Reference: Picking a Model
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Restrictive state + high hospitality expectations → No firearms + robust hardening, drills, medical capability.
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Limited budget; high threat; skilled staff → Staff CCW or Designated Guardians (tight SOPs; strong training).
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High-visibility campus; donor support → In-house officer + layered security + medical program.
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Complex schedules; multiple sites → Contracted firm with standards-driven contract.
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Tight community with qualified adults → Volunteer team with parity standards and clear MOUs.`
FAQ
Build a Defensible, Christ-Honoring Safety Program
We help boards choose the right model, align with insurers, draft SOPs, train teams, and communicate well—without turning your campus into an unwelcoming fortress.
Author Bio
About the Author
Jason Perry, founder and CEO of Trident Shield, is a retired Navy SEAL, former SWAT officer, paramedic, and pastor. He helps Christian schools integrate best-practice security with Christ-centered hospitality, ensuring campuses are both safe and welcoming.
