Domestic security in public places
Some of you know me, and know that I am a public school teacher. However, on weekends I've taken a part time job as a bouncer at a couple of nightclubs. Boring, really. At least most of the time.
Anyway, the topic came up concerning the likelihood of terrorist attacks in crowded nightclubs, and whether it was a credible enough possibility to be taken seriously. My written response to the owner read thusly:
I definitely think that the US should begin pulling its collective head from the sand and begin seriously considering the possibilities/probabilities of terrorists in nightclubs.
Having a background in CT (counter-terrorism) from my years of working for dear ol' Uncle Sam, I know that the best practices to combat terrorism are PROactive, not REactive. In other words, don't wait for a tragedy to occur before you implement some precautions. Here in Texas, we call that "closing the barn door after the horse ran off."
I know that in many of the overseas places I went to, metal detectors at the doors were simply a matter of course. Yes, it is incovenient (especially at punk/metal bars). There were always a couple of guys by the detectors whose sole function was to assist those patrons who had set off the detectors. That way, the lines keep moving smoothly and any problems can be solved at the door. Of course, those places always had men armed with shotguns or submachine guns by the entrance, as well. In addition, there more other men roaming the club who were not identifiable as staff who were carrying concealed weapons. This was simply a way of life for the patrons, and no one seemed the least bit put out by it.
Similar measures should be implemented in the US. Not only to protect patrons from terrorists, but to also decrease general and gang violence, as well. I should add that armed security could quite possibly cause more problems than it would solve, at least at this time, and so should receive a great degree of thought and evaluation on the part of the owner. And as always--federal, state, and local laws must be adhered to.
Metal detectors, cameras, and the like would be of some deterrence to those wishing to cause mass carnage, and should be seriously thought about.
Yes, it can be expensive. But how much is a human life worth? No one should have to die simply because they wanted to have a couple of drinks and dance for a night.
Am I over the top on this one, or do you agree?