Iredell County sheriff putting ballistic shields in all elementary schools

IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. — The Iredell County sheriff plans to use drug case seizure funds to put ballistic shields at each elementary school in the county.

The large shields, similar to what SWAT teams use, will be stationed at the schools in case of a school shooting.

Sheriff Darren Campbell is setting aside $45,000 for the shields.

Campbell was on his way Tuesday to a state-wide conference about school safety. At that meeting, sheriffs from all over the state will evaluate and make recommendations to lawmakers for improving school safety.

Campbell said the ballistic shields are powerful tools designed to protect students, teachers and officers in the event that an active shooter gets inside a building.

"Our deputies, or any other officers that arrive at the school, will be able to grab this shield and charge toward that threat, and (eliminate) that threat," Campbell said.

The shields are primarily for officers responding to an active shooter situation, but Campbell also plans to train teachers and administrators.

"Let them know the capabilities, some of the tactics that can be used if you had to, and it's there,” Campbell said. “We would always want people to use something that can save a life."

Campbell said he's also investigating the cost of putting armed officers at elementary schools.

Cox Media Group