In a shocking turn of events, a Long Beach school safety officer discharged their weapon while responding to a suspected burglary on a high school campus. This incident occurred on Friday morning at Millikan High School, raising serious questions about safety protocols and the use of force in educational environments. As investigations unfold, it is crucial to understand the implications of such actions on campus safety and the community at large.
At 2:44 a.m., the Long Beach Police Department was alerted to assist a school safety officer who was dealing with a potential burglary suspect on the premises. School safety personnel had responded to multiple intrusion alarms, leading them to an unknown individual spotted near one of the campus bungalows. This early morning situation highlights the challenges school safety officers face in maintaining security and responding appropriately to threats.
Upon arrival, police officials were informed that the safety officer had fired their service weapon during the confrontation with the alleged burglar. The circumstances surrounding the discharge of the weapon remain unclear, including whether any injuries occurred and the motivations behind the officer's action. According to the Long Beach Unified safety officers' policy, officers are permitted to use their firearms only when absolutely necessary, such as in self-defense or to protect others.
The school safety officer involved in the shooting has been placed on paid administrative leave while the investigation is conducted. This protocol aims to ensure a fair examination of events surrounding the incident. The recent history of safety officer-related incidents at Millikan High School, including a previous case of voluntary manslaughter, adds further scrutiny to this ongoing investigation.
In light of the suspect fleeing the scene on foot, the SWAT team was deployed to search the campus thoroughly. Despite their efforts, the suspect remained at large, prompting law enforcement to assure the safety of both students and staff before resuming normal school operations. The incident has sparked discussions about the effectiveness of school safety measures and the need for comprehensive training for safety personnel.
