We offer two programs that enable a school to provide a defensive approach to an active shooter on campus. Our training is conducted on our private ranch outside of Marble Falls, Texas.
TEXAS DPS SCHOOL SAFETY CERTIFICATION
In 2017, DPS began providing a basic training class to school staff members who hold a valid Texas LTC. DPS realizes that law enforcement may not be able to reach a school in time to mitigate a school shooting quickly. The purpose of this program is to provide school staff training to stop an active shooter on a campus.
The DPS school Safety Certification provides classroom and firearms training to school staff members (Govt. Code 411.1901) only over two days (16-18 hours) The training can include stop the bleed training for staff who are in need, otherwise the class is 16 hours. The class must be provided by DPS trained and licensed instructors under Texas Admin. Code 6.62.
Staff can include teachers, administration, maintenance, security, office and any school staff member. Those who desire to take this class must have at the very least good basic handgun skills. New shooters will not do well in this class and are likely to fail due to the high testing and shooting requirements. This class requires that participants have a valid Texas LTC (License To Carry). Training requires 400 rounds of FMJ target ammunition.
Shooters must score 90% on the handgun qualification and written test.
LTC class 6 hours ($125.00 per person + 50 rounds of ammo if needed)
DPS class 16 hours + 2 if stop the bleed is needed
DPS class cost $1,400.00 per person (400 rounds of ammo not included, travel not included) min. 4 students to make a class
TEXAS SCHOOL GUARDIAN PROGRAM (Guardian Plan)
The "Guardian Plan" is the Texas School Guardian Program and was developed by Jeff Sellers in 2009 and is the only provider of the program. We do not contract out instructors or other organizations to provide instruction. Our goal is to ensure a standard of service and training. Jeff developed the program as an effort for schools to have an armed defensive approach to an active shooter on campus for the critical period, which is the time from when a shooting begins until law enforcement arrive. This is not the Marshall program, it's much better. Those who qualify to take the class must already have their Texas LTC. Our program far exceeds the DPS requirements providing school staff members (Govt. Code 411.1901) an array of knowledge. The sole purpose of this program is to protect students and staff against an active shooter on a campus, time is essential,time to lockdown, time to respond. Those who participate in this program will also receive Texas DPS School Safety certification. Full Guardian training requires 1,100 rounds of FMJ target ammunition.
Our Guardian Program provides much more training and has strict requirements to be considered. To become a Guardian, one must take and pass an MMPI psychological evaluation, have a valid LTC (License To Carry) and complete all classroom and firearms training listed below.
Guardian Training Outline - These are all of the training options we offer. * indicates what is required for the DPS school safety certification
6 hours - Basic Handgun Class
8 hours - Intermediate Handgun
6 hours - *Texas LTC Class (This class provides training on use of force, safety and access to firearms by children)
16 hours - *Texas DPS School Safety Class
16 hours - Advanced handgun
Cost is $3,050.00 per student (not including 1,100 rounds of ammo, travel) min, 4 students to make a class
8 hours Scenario Training - live sim rounds scenario training on campus for all guardians - $3,500.00 (Does not include travel or lodging)
70 hours TOTAL
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Safety & security is not the responsibility of law enforcement, the cost to hire law enforcement at every campus is not feasible in many small districts nor are they available in smaller districts. We are responsible for our safety & security and those we choose to extend that protection to. Waiting on law enforcement can cost lives however in cases where law enforcement is on scene quickly or the school has an SRO, the program provides the good guys better odds of defeating a shooter. The only de-escalation in an active shooter situation is stopping the threat with deadly force. Years of actual data an real life experience shows good guys with guns stops bad guys with guns. This is not science, this is reality and we must do what it takes to save lives in our schools.
School staff are the most dedicated to students, know the school layout and are already employed by the school. Guardians are volunteers who step up to serve in this role. We also help school districts set up their program. This includes how to select candidates, MMPI psychological evaluation and continued training which includes regular range time, on-site scenario drills with sim rounds and an annual re-qualification and continuing education.
The public has a misconception that schools are handing teachers a gun and providing training. This is not the case, in fact most of our Guardians are administration, coaches, support staff and security staff. Not every staff member can be a Guardian. It take mental toughness and experience with firearms. Our program provides more training than most city police academies require and has a higher qualification requirement. Most of our schools with campus law enforcement presence or departments in the districts cities join their school Guardians in an effort to build a team and to help train throughout the year.
The Guardian Program is 100% District/School Controlled with the exception of required firearms training. Focus is on one goal, stopping a shooter with deadly force. The Texas School Guardian Program is unique and provides school districts the opportunity to include as much training for Guardians as they want. It can be customized for your district's needs.
As part of the Guardian Program, we need buy in from the school district to ensure Guardians are prepared as possible and your campuses are as prepared as possible. Our program works well when we are allowed to assist in selecting the number of Guardians on a campus and their placement which is based on staff position type. All school staff are eligible to participate in this volunteer program.
The amount of Guardians on a campus is based on campus layout, number of buildings, number of students and staff. In addition, we like our Guardians to work in teams of at least two. This provides a better chance of stopping the shooter. Campuses must prepare as well to assist Guardians in stopping a threat. Classroom doors should always be locked. (No door jam magnets) Custodial, data, electrical room and other doors should also be kept locked. Exterior doors should also be always locked unless monitored by a staff member. Doors should be checked on a regular basis. This process will help Guardians neutralize an active shooter if he/she makes it inside the school, preventing the shooter from barricading themselves in a classroom or other room.
Annual Training Program - Many schools hire us on an annual basis for continued training
36 hours - Bi-Monthly Instructor Training, 6 times per year
48 hours - Regular monthly range practice
8 hours - annual re-qualification and CE's
16 hours - bi-annual scenario training on campus
108 TOTAL
Additional training offered
Advanced handgun 1 (8 hours)
Advanced handgun 2 (16 hours)
AR pistol-rifle basic combat training (8 hours) (students will use their handgun and AR)
AR pistol-rifle advanced training ( 16 hours)
Classes can be taken more than once. Several of our clients take these classes more than once. We also offer customized training for any need
It is extremely important to have regular safety & security audits and an updated an compliant EOP in which your staff is trained to implement protocols outlined in the EOP.
Texas School Guardian Informational Video
