'I like "Lock and load. Prepare to shoot. This is not a drill." '

I like it! Esp for schools!

I grew up in another era... my high school went on lock-down only once, and that was when a German Shepherd mix was wandering around the campus, growling at people.

Sue

Cultures and responses are necessarily different. The UK is hardly known as a land indifferent to law and order. I'm no expert, so take my response FWIW; but a couple of things come to mind. Kindly correct me if I'm off-base.

First, I believe the UK fuzz have adapted to the brave new bang-bang world with a layered response to the threat. Many have training and access to firearms, but do not carry them into every situation unless there is reasonable apprehension that they may be needed. This is a reasonable compromise to the traditional role, in their view; and no doubt there are very heavily armed responders who deal with additional escalation. (Keep in mind that the UK has dealt with very real threats, internal and external, for an extended period.)

The second thing is perhaps understood (traditional) rather than codified. At least that's how I read it. A "firearms last resort" policy implies a "hands-on physical control first" policy, with perhaps a great deal more lattitude in how physical force is applied.

Anyway, that's my 2p.

As an afterthought: in these discussions, you have to read through the usual Brit understatement. E.g., a full-bore, two-fisted interrogation comes out as "the gentleman is assisting the police in their enquiries."

I believe that's why they're called Boobies.

I believe the term is "Bobbies," named after their founder. the last time I was through Heathrow, there was some pretty impressive armament on display, so I don't think the chaps are naive.

Correct, there is no shortage of firepower when needed and they they have dedicated units available to respond at all times.

In regards to hardening your sliding doors, I posted about 3M Window Security Film in a different post. I don't have sliders, but I was thinking of applying this stuff to my ground level windows.


Anyway, this link will bring you to Amazon with a selection of security film thicknesses and lengths appropriate for sliding windows. The stuff is a little spendy, though, but cheaper and more attractive than french doors with security grills.

(No affiliation)

I agree with that, but I don't think it implies using codewords. Especially not really obscure ones like "yellow binder" - that's less likely to get fast compliance for me as I'd have to remember what it meant.

Brangdon... since this is an open forum, and the procedure is still in use, I did not use the actual term , which is not that ambiguous...the call was to the front desk and to trained staff members....it is initiated by suspicion and not actual knowledge... most teachers are not gun people...this was a threat we needed to address post Columbine and considered a viable solution..additionally, a student could be sent to the office carrying the "yellow folder" with a seating chart included, and the suspicious student's desk identified