When it comes to back-to-school shopping the options are endless, but OfficeMax in Paris is giving parents another option to consider: bulletproof backpacks.
OfficeMax is just one of many stores across the country now carrying Guard Dog Security bulletproof backpacks that range in price from $119 to $299.
While the bags aren’t new to the market, they have gained popularity over the past few years with the bag being an item on some school supplies lists in Texas.
The bags, according to the manufacturer, can stop a .44 magnum handgun.
Yasir Sheikh, president of Guard Dog Security, told WESH 2 News, “They’re (kids) protected against 9 mm and .44 Magnum. If you have your back against the shooter, pull it over your head. Cover your back and vital organs. If you’re up against a shooter, put in front of your head, and protect those vital organs.”
Paris Chief of Police Bob Hundley said ballistic apparel has been available for public consumption for quite some time.
“There is always a marketing idea behind new products and sometimes I am a little wary when tactics are used to get people’s emotions involved. That being said, I’m sure many will agree with me that any step taken to protect children is a good step.”
“As with any self-protection device, there is going to be some training needed that coincides with what the wearer should do during an attack and even taking a look at what the school’s procedure is as far as shelter in place or escape,” he further explained, “you also need more information on what ballistic protection does and doesn’t do.”
Hundley said ballistic protection can stop a round, but still leave the wearer with a serious wound from impact.
“You never want to completely depend on a ballistic device for total protection.”
According to everytownsearch.org, there have been at least 464 incidents of gunfire on school grounds since 2013, resulting in 181 deaths (including 33 suicide deaths -where no one else was harmed) and 358 injuries (including 6 self-harm injuries – where no one else was harmed).
North Lamar ISD Chief of Police Mike Boaz said, “I haven’t researched this item much since it is a fairly new product to our area but I would encourage any student that carries one of the backpacks to always follow safety guidelines set by the school district.”
Boaz said safety for their students is always their number one concern.
“We are always pleased to see any new proactive approach with products like this and proper training to this ongoing problem in America.”
Sheikh told KDKA he wants parents or students to be prepared rather than afraid.
“We’re not saying, ‘Buy a backpack, it’ll solve everything,” he told KDKA. “We’re saying this will put you in a better position in the case of a school shooting than someone who doesn’t have a bulletproof backpack.”
The bags can also be found at select Office Depot and Macy’s stores or can be purchased online.
Photo: Katie Dixon/myparistexas
