INDIANAPOLIS — Saturday marked one year since the Noblesville school shooting that left a student and teacher injured.
RTV6 spoke with Gov. Eric Holcomb about whether the state is safe since the tragedy.
"People are more alert and aware of the potential,” Holcomb said. “We are more secure than we've ever been. I’m pleased as communities and regions recognize what the threats and vulnerabilities are."
After Noblesville, the state offered to pay for handheld metal detectors.
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There was a large response with 422 school corporations accepting the offer — 3,436 metal detectors for a total cost to the state of $352,718.30.
“The best way to control what goes on inside a school is to control what goes inside a school,” Gov. Holcomb said. “So we know there is a means to better control that than ever before. However, in addition to that — local school corporations, local communities are stepping forward and saying we want to make sure we have the safest school in the country. And kudos."
Holcomb said they’re also supporting districts with funding, training, and whatever else they need to uncover where they’re vulnerable and develop a plan of action.
“Local school corporations, local communities are stepping forward and saying we want to make sure we have the safest school in the country kudos," Holcomb said.
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Holcomb emphasized school safety is not just the responsibility of the state, local and federal government but also community groups and foundations are also pitching in with money and resources.
Looking forward, he encourages schools to share with the state what is working and not working to improve school safety.
“We have to always be alert and aware of any potential threat,” Holcomb. “As we develop systemically the plan to make sure schools are safe and secure that school corporations are informing us with this is a potential vulnerability. We thrive on the data we receive from them in the field and we’ll never stop.”
