Albuquerque considers armed cops in school

ALBUQUERQUE, May 4 (UPI) -- The school board in Albuquerque is discussing allowing school police officers to carry guns.

Board members decided to revisit the issue after a student at Virginia Tech killed 32 people, The Albuquerque Journal reported.

The board employs 70 police officers, including 33 who are certified to use firearms. At least one county or city police officer is also assigned to each high school.

Paul Broome, education adviser to Mayor Martin Chavez, said the mayor favors arming school police. But he said Chavez recognizes the decision is up to the school board.

The board appears to be divided on the issue.

"Should we not look at a better safety plan than we have today?" asked Roberto Lucero. "We need to have a true study and look at all the options."