Members of the Law Enforcement Training Commission approved rules for school districts planning to implement the school Sentinel program today (Aug. 2) with one minor adjustment, which was proposed by ASBSD Executive Director Dr. Wade Pogany.

 

The Sentinel bill – introduced as House Bill 1087 – was passed by the legislature and signed by Gov. Dennis Daugaard during the 2013 legislative session.

 

Sentinel rules cover the minimum standards for a proposed Sentinel and the training program. Read the rules here.

 

The commission approved a change, suggested by Pogany, which allows a school board to designate a representative to interview Sentinel candidates.

 

Any school board choosing to arm an employee must agree to pay to have that individual trained in the use of firearms. A Sentinel would have to complete a basic, 80-hour training course that includes the following subject areas:

1. Firearms proficiency;
2. Use of force;
3. Legal aspects;
4. Weapons retention;
5. Weapons storage;
6. Identifying protocol for identifying sentinel; and
7. First aid.

 

The rules now move to the LRC Rules Committee for approval. A hearing is expected in September.

 

For updates on the Sentinel rules, check the ASBSD blog.