Jeff Derderian Exclusive Report: Addressing the Gun Crisis in Connecticut Schools

By Jeff Derderian, WTNH-TV investigative reporter

The safety of students in Connecticut schools is at a critical moment. Recent data and exclusive interviews conducted by Jeff Derderian as part of his exclusive investigation reveal alarming trends and highlight the urgent need for comprehensive safety measures and mental health support.

A painful memory

Jeff Derderian points out that the issue of school safety has been brought back to the forefront, particularly after the 25th anniversary of the Columbine school shooting. This tragic day took the lives of 20 young children and six adults, forever changing the landscape of school safety in America.

“If someone makes a threat, it sets off an alarm,” said Amery Bernhardt, director of the Connecticut Center for School Safety and Crisis Preparedness.

Results of an exclusive study

Bernhardt's office commissioned a study obtained by News 8 that involved interviews with Connecticut school administrators. Jeff Derderian explains how the study aimed to answer two crucial questions:

1. Why do students bring guns to school?
2. How can we reduce this dangerous behavior?

The results were revealing. Students expressed a clear need for increased mental health support, emphasizing the importance of emotional learning programs and early intervention from social workers.

Amery Bernhardt: “I think some of the responses went hand in hand with emotional learning programs to involve a social worker. There have been many responses focused on early intervention.

Data on weapons in schools

Jeff Derderian explores how the study revealed why students bring guns to school. The highest percentage of students said it was unintentional, meaning they didn't realize they had a gun with them. The second most common reason was security or protection. Others brought weapons to show off or attract attention, while a smaller percentage intended to threaten or harm others.

According to the Connecticut Department of Education, the 2022/2023 school year saw:

• 454 knives of 2 ½ inches or more seized
• 55 handguns were found, an increase of 18% from the previous year.
• 95 pellet guns
• 54 stun guns
• 118 toy guns

An incident involving a toy gun clearly illustrates the seriousness of the situation.

A disturbing incident

Pooja Flynn, a Middletown mother, shared a heartbreaking experience involving her 7-year-old son, Grayson. On a school bus ride, another child pointed a toy gun at Grayson's face and pulled the trigger.

Pooja Flynn: “There was a kid on the bus who had a toy gun, and the kid said, 'You want to see something cool?' …Yeah, sure, my son said. He then pointed the gun at Grayson's face and pulled the trigger…”

Fortunately, it was a toy gun, but the incident left a lasting impact on Flynn and highlighted the pervasive sense of danger that even young children face today.

Flynn: “I know I wanted to get there as soon as possible…my body went numb…toy or not.”

Comprehensive security measures

School safety measures vary widely by district. Jeff Derderian explains that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Some schools have installed metal detectors, wand detectors, bulletproof glass and surveillance cameras. These measures are adapted to the specific needs and resources of each neighborhood.

Joe Dooley, former law enforcement officer and current Mutualink representative, explained how their automated emergency response system improves school safety. The system connects schools to local and state police, as well as SWAT teams, providing real-time tracking of active threats.

Joe Dooley: “Within seconds, we bring in a colorized floor plan with the cameras plotted on that map. This will integrate the school radio system…”

The need for mental health support

Jeffrey Derderian emphasizes that the call for increased mental health support is loud and clear. Students themselves advocate for emotional learning programs and the presence of social workers to intervene quickly. Addressing the root causes that lead students to bring guns to school is crucial to creating a safer environment.

Move forward

The tragic memory of Columbine and ongoing incidents of school violence remind us of the critical need for proactive measures. Enhanced safety protocols and mental health support can help mitigate risks and ensure a safe learning environment for students.

Jeff Derderian points out that reflecting on these discoveries and stories, it becomes clear that today's world is very different, even for young children. Keeping them safe requires a multi-faceted approach that includes both physical safety measures and strong mental health support.

Flynn: “Never… never… I never thought I would have to talk to my 7 year old about guns and make sure I said something. »

This exclusive report by Jeff Derderian, based on data-driven research, highlights the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address the gun crisis in Connecticut's schools. Only on Channel 8, we continue to investigate and report on critical issues affecting our communities.