OLYMPIA – A new bill on curtailing the use of handcuffs, pepper spray and Tasers in schools is being considered at an education committee meeting today in Olympia.

Currently the Highline School District, as well as Tacoma and Kent, provides handcuffs to security officers in its schools.

The sponsor, Sen. Claudia Kauffman of Kent, says she’s concerned about the psychological effect of the security measures on students. A similar bill is scheduled for a hearing tomorrow in a state House committee.

Kauffman’s bill was prompted by the actions of security guards in the Kent School District. It has been sued by parents and students over handcuff use on campus.

If the legislation is approved, noncommissioned school security officers would be prohibited from using cuffs and pepper spray in most circumstances.

What do you think – should security guards be allowed to carry these devices in public schools? Please answer our poll to the right or enter a comment below…

SOURCE:

• Seattle P-I