Armed school guardians now serve in 60% of Utah schools, a development following the implementation of the state's School Security Act which went into effect on May 6, 2026. The program allows qualified school employees to volunteer to protect campuses through specialized training in firearms and de-escalation tactics.
Mandatory Training Requirements
The school guardian program was established under Utah Code Section 53-22-105 to provide a structured framework for trained employees to defend students. According to the Utah Code, the program is overseen by the state security chief, while county security chiefs administer the program within their respective counties.
To qualify as a school guardian, a school employee must receive comprehensive training that includes firearm safety, de-escalation tactics, mental health awareness, and disability awareness. The training requirements are divided into three distinct phases: initial training, biannual training, and annual training.
Comprehensive Safety Protocols
The initial training for volunteers focuses on general familiarity with concealed firearms, safe loading and unloading, and marksmanship. Per the Utah Code, this training must include instruction on the difference between sight picture, sight alignment, and trigger control, as well as basic trauma first aid and the lawful use of firearms for self-defense and the defense of others.
Beyond firearms, the initial training must address situational response evaluations. These include training on how to secure a crime or accident scene, how to notify law enforcement, and how to control information during an incident. The program also emphasizes the appropriate use of force, specifically focusing on alternatives to using force and the de-escalation of force.
Ongoing Certification Standards
To maintain certification, guardians must participate in biannual training at least every six months. This training requires participants to review the specific layout of their school building, including the location of emergency supplies and security infrastructure. Participants must also take part in live-action practice plans with school administrators to prepare for responses to active threats.
Annual training requires a four-hour session administered by a county security chief or a designee in coordination with local law enforcement. This annual requirement includes practicing firearms proficiency at a range using the individual's own self-defense firearm.
Eligibility and Scope
The School Security Act defines a school employee as an individual whose duties require them to be physically present on campus during school hours. However, the law specifies that teachers and individuals whose primary responsibility is classroom instruction are generally excluded from the program, unless they work at a school with 350 or fewer students, work at adjacent campuses, or meet specific requirements under Subsection 53G-8-701.5(3).
State Safety Oversight
The Utah School Safety Center, which coordinates safety efforts at the state and local levels, is part of the Utah State Board of Education. The center is led by Coordinator Rhett Larsen, who works alongside Specialist Ashley Pistello and Specialist Levi Grisenti to develop model policies and resources for school safety across the state.
Legislative Oversight
The School Security Task Force, a legislative committee tasked with reviewing legislation for the 2026 General Session, continues to oversee matters related to school security. The committee is co-chaired by Senator Ann Millner and Representative Ryan D. Wilcox.
Future Developments
As the program expands, the state continues to refine the requirements for school safety. The School Security Task Force is scheduled to hold further meetings, including a session on August 20, 2026, to continue its work.
