Monroe charter school installing locks to stop an active shooter

MONROE, N.C. — Union Academy in Monroe is installing special door locks in classrooms to use in the event of an active shooter situation.

Lance Sargent runs a company installing the locks, called Guardian Angels.

When asked if he thought they could save lives, he said, “I hope so. I hope it never gets tested though.”

The former teacher designed the locks after going through active shooter training.

“This is another step, if somebody is in a hallway and you can go to a safe place,” Sargent said. “Because right now kids don’t have that.”

Every teacher wears a key around his or her neck that opens a box on the floor. Inside the box is a cable and winch that attaches to the door and holds it closed, no matter how hard you hit it.

The company advertises the locks work in less than 10 seconds and can also release in less than two.

Teachers are thankful for the added security measure.

“This just adds one more layer of safety feel to our school,” teacher Rebecca Yanacseck said.

The charter school raised $15,000 from parents to pay for the locks and plans to raise more. Leaders want a Guardian Angel lock on every door before school starts again.

“My number one responsibility as headmaster of this school is to keep our kids safe,” Dr. Ann Walters said. “I want them to know I take it very seriously, and I’m going to do everything in my power so when they drop their kid off at the door, they feel like their kid’s in good hands.”

Cox Media Group