The Chris Hixon, Coach Aaron Feis, & Coach Scott Beigel Guardian Program (“Guardian Program”) is a public safety initiative established in 2018 through the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act. The legislature now allows school districts to hire armed security personnel or arm authorized staff, including teachers, to act as "safe-school officers". The Guardian Program requires 144 hours of training, including firearms proficiency and active shooter response, and de-escalation techniques.
Key Aspects of the Guardian Program:
• Purpose: The program is designed to provide rapid response capabilities on school campuses, to monitor
for threats, and enhance security.
• Voluntary Participation: School districts opt into the program, and in many counties, school staff
(including teachers) can serve as guardians, though not all districts use teachers.
• Training Requirements: Guardians must pass extensive training, often totaling 144-hours, which covers
response to and de-escalation of incidents on school premises, precision pistol, discretionary shooting,
active shooter or assailant scenarios, defensive tactics, and legal issues.
Key Requirements for School Guardians:
• Employment: Must be a current school employee, or a contracted security guard, sponsored by the school
district or charter school.
• Background Check: Successful completion and passing of a fingerprint-based background investigation.
• Psychological Evaluation: Passing a mental health and substance abuse screening.
• Drug Testing: Passing an initial drug test and subsequent random follow-ups.
• Training: Completing at least 144 hours of training, which typically includes 132+ hours of firearm safety
and proficiency, and 12+ hours of de-escalation and tactics and ongoing training, weapon inspection, and
firearm qualification on at least an annual basis.
• Certification: Maintaining active certification and completing mandatory training in precision pistol and
active shooter scenarios.
• Firearm License: Often requires a concealed weapons permit and, in some cases, Class D/G security
licenses.
Please contact the Training Section at the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office for more information regarding upcoming trainings and becoming a guardian.