Working as a school safety officer would be voluntary for any teacher or administrator. As an officer, the educator would have authority to detain or use warranted force against anyone whenever necessary.

Any district considering naming a school safety officer would have to first hold a public hearing on the matter. The school board would consider in a closed meeting whether to allow the school safety officer to carry a weapon or self-defense spray.

The Missouri Department of Public Safety is to keep a running list of school districts that opt into this program, but that list will not be available to the public. The department is also developing more than 100 hours of training a school safety officer must have. A commission has to set up the courses for school safety officers specifically tailored to what a teacher might face, such as a school shooter.

Bill supporter Rep. Rick Brattin, R-Harrisonville, said this law change adding training is meant to put “people more at ease.” Some school districts, he said, had reservations about teachers carrying concealed weapons without additional training. However, schools can still simply opt for a teacher to carry a concealed weapon.