What Does it Take to Keep School Sporting Events Safe?
Source: https://fox8.com/
The FOX 8 I-Team has uncovered growing concerns about safety at high school sporting events, highlighting a rising trend of violence, including gunshots, fights, and disturbances. Recent incidents, such as a shooting near Euclid High School that left five teens shot (one fatally), and a fight involving parents after a football game on Cleveland’s east side, have brought attention to the need for stronger security measures.
Experts like Dr. Ken Trump, a school safety consultant, emphasize that school officials must adopt detailed, professional-level security strategies, similar to those used at major sporting events. This includes better planning, increased police presence, and stricter safety protocols such as ticket-taking, security screenings, and more supervision.
Cleveland City Councilman Richard Starr, who recently intervened to stop a fight at a high school game, has called for more security personnel at these events, stating that current measures are insufficient and unsafe. While the Cleveland Metropolitan School District has announced a new fan code of conduct and plans for stricter punishments, specific safety improvements have not been outlined.
Euclid Police, in response to recent events, have developed new safety plans that include special patrols at school events and nearby neighborhoods, using grant money to fund overtime and officers dedicated to patrolling for weapons. Police stress that managing safety beyond the event itself—when crowds spill into surrounding areas—remains a major challenge.
Experts and officials agree that ensuring the safety of attendees, especially children, at school sports events requires far more than just event-day security—it demands ongoing vigilance, planning, and community involvement.
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