Nashville Schools Face Backlash for Delayed Security Measures

Following recent tragic incidents in Middle Tennessee schools, delayed security measures have come under scrutiny. FOX 17 News recently sat down with security expert Bobby Young, owner of Covert Results, to discuss why schools must take proactive steps rather than waiting until tragedy strikes.

The reality is clear—schools that delay security measures put students and staff at risk. From the resistance to school resource officers (SROs) in elementary schools to Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) rejecting security assessments, decisions that could have prevented violence were dismissed until it was too late.

As Bobby Young explained in his interview, security should never be an afterthought. Covert Results is committed to taking action NOW to ensure schools, churches, and businesses are protected before another tragedy occurs.

đź”— Watch the full FOX 17 News interview with Bobby Young here: https://fox17.com/news/ferrier-files/nashville-schools-face-backlash-for-delayed-security-measures-after-tragic-incidents

The Reality of Delayed School Security Measures

The push for school security has intensified in the wake of mass shootings like Uvalde and The Covenant School in Nashville, yet Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) repeatedly resisted critical safety measures until lives were lost.

  • SRO Resistance: MNPS initially refused to place school resource officers (SROs) in elementary schools, citing concerns about “criminalizing children’s behavior.” Only after tragic incidents did they agree to expand the program—but now they lack enough officers to fill the roles.
  • Ballistic Film Ignored: Despite its proven success, MNPS refused to send a representative to a demonstration on ballistic film, a security feature that could have prevented the Covenant School shooter from breaching the building. It was only after the shooting that the district agreed to install it.
  • Rejected Security Assessments: When Metro Councilwoman Courtney Johnston proposed that MNPD conduct free security assessments of every school, the school board lobbied against it, causing the proposal to fail.

Bobby Young addressed these failures, stating:

“That’s crazy. They need to be doing at least yearly assessments. What about penetration tests? Why don’t we try that too? See how that works? Can these security systems be defeated?”

The murder of 16-year-old Josselyn Escalante in Antioch High School’s cafeteria led to another reactive response—metal detectors were installed only after the tragedy occurred, despite past refusals.

Taking Action: The Covert Results 10-Step Blueprint for Safer Schools

Covert Results is not waiting for another tragedy to strike—we are actively working with schools and churches to implement security measures before lives are lost.

Here’s how schools can take control of their security now:

1. Comprehensive Security Assessments & Simple Plans

  • Conduct regular security audits to identify vulnerabilities.
  • Develop customized safety plans tailored to each school’s unique needs.

2. Access Control Measures

  • Secure entry points with electronic keycards, biometric access, and locked doors.
  • Install metal detectors or weapon detection systems at key entrances.
  • Enforce visitor management policies with sign-ins, badges, and escorts.

3. Armed Security Personnel

  • Employ trained armed security officers or SROs for immediate protection.
  • Ensure security personnel are trained in de-escalation and rapid response tactics.

4. Surveillance & Monitoring

  • Install high-definition security cameras at entry points, hallways, and open areas.
  • Use real-time monitoring with AI-based detection to detect potential threats.

5. Active Shooter Training

  • Conduct routine active shooter drills for staff and students.
  • Train teachers and staff on lockdown procedures, evacuation routes, and emergency protocols.
  • Implement de-escalation strategies and first-aid training to prevent violence before it escalates.

6. Communication Systems

  • Install panic buttons or silent alarms in classrooms and offices.
  • Use school-wide intercoms and mass notification systems (texts, emails, apps) to alert staff and parents.

7. Secure Classroom Measures

  • Use reinforced doors with internal locking mechanisms.
  • Install shatterproof glass or ballistic film on windows.
  • Designate safe zones within classrooms to keep students out of direct sight.

8. Partnerships with Law Enforcement

  • Work closely with local police departments to establish rapid response protocols.
  • Share building blueprints and crisis plans with law enforcement.

9. Physical Security Enhancements

  • Add fencing, gates, and barriers to limit unauthorized access.
  • Install bollards or vehicle barriers to prevent car-based attacks.

10. Security Technology Integration

  • Use AI-based tools to detect weapons or unusual behavior in real time.
  • Implement automated lockdown systems that secure doors and notify authorities instantly.
  • Monitor social media and threat alert platforms to identify warning signs before an incident occurs.

Why This Matters

Had these 10 steps been fully implemented in Metro Nashville Public Schools, lives could have been saved. Covert Results is already providing security services for 10+ schools in Middle Tennessee, ensuring that the delays seen in MNPS do not happen in private institutions.

As Bobby Young explained:

“The most important thing as a parent, when you send your child to school, is their safety. If they’re killed in an active shooter event, they’re not coming home. That’s why security should be the number one focus.”

What’s Next? Take Action Before It’s Too Late

The backlash against Metro Nashville’s slow response to security threats shows that change must happen now, not later. Covert Results is ready to help schools take proactive steps before another tragedy occurs.

📺 Watch Bobby Young’s full FOX 17 interview here: https://fox17.com/news/ferrier-files/nashville-schools-face-backlash-for-delayed-security-measures-after-tragic-incidents 

📢 Stay tuned! This Friday, we’ll be releasing a full guide covering all steps to school security.

Let’s protect our schools before another crisis forces action. Contact Covert Results today for a security assessment, penetration testing, or to develop a proactive safety plan for your school or church.

#SchoolSafety #CovertResults #Fox17News #SecurityMatters #ProtectOurSchools #BePrepared #ArmedSecurity #ActiveShooterTraining #TakeActionNow

Covert Results is the premier private investigations, armed security, cyber security, and training company you’ve been searching for. Our team of highly skilled experts has amassed over 100 years of experience in all fields, from investigations to security concerns. Being a member and working within a global network called The Entrepreneurs Organization allows us to provide excellent service anywhere on Earth – truly bringing peace of mind through our world class services! Be sure to follow @CovertResults across Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for the latest information regarding investigator expertise as well as lighthearted moments shared by our community! If you need us to guide you to that peace of mind you are looking for, call or text 615-861-1680 or email contact@covertresults.com.