Citing Israeli Airport Security as the Gold Standard, Florida Sheriff Announces Tactical Approach to School Safety

BREVARD COUNTY, FL (VINnews) – A Central Florida sheriff took to Facebook today, outlining dramatic new safety plans for the upcoming school year that are modeled on Israel airport security protocols.

Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey said that school resource deputies will be outfitted in full tactical gear and weaponry in the wake of the deadly school shooting in Uvalde, Texas last May.

Ivey, a graduate of the FBI National Academy with over three decades of experience in law enforcement, explained his plan to make it obvious to anyone intent on violence that Brevard County’s schools were exceptionally well defended, an approach that he said he learned from Israeli airport security.

Recalling how he had spoken with someone recently who said they weren’t comfortable with his new plan because it reminded them of walking through an Israeli airport, where submachines and other weapons are very much on display, Ivey explained that that was exactly his goal.

“When’s the last time you read about someone shooting up an Israeli airport?” said Ivey. “You haven’t, and the reason for that is they are better prepared, better armed and better trained than anyone else, and they have won the war long before the battle was ever fought.”

Brevard showed pictures of the new military-style uniforms that school resource deputies will be wearing when classes resume, sending the message that they are well prepared and have the weaponry and smarts to take down those intent on massacring children.

“Folks let me be very clear,” said Ivey. “You are not coming into my schools and killing our children. I firmly believe if you do not meet violence with violence, you will be violently killed.”

Despite the military appearance they will be sporting this fall, Ivey noted that school resource deputies have a tremendous impact on students’ lives, beyond just ensuring their security, building relationships and trust with children and partnerships with their parents.

“They will forever be a part of these kids lives as they help mentor, guide and protect the each and every day,” said Ivey.