EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 KFOX14\/CBS4 has been trying to get in contact with Socorro ISD to learn if it complies with Texas House Bill 3, which mandates an armed peace officer at every school campus. <\/p>\n
The law, effective in 2023, was updated by House Bill 121 during the most recent legislative session, which now allos the Texas Education Agency to commission officers to enhance school safety. <\/p>\n
If districts cannot meet these requirements, they must seek a “good-cause exception” and develop a security standard they can meet.<\/p>\n
On October 23, KFOX14\/CBS4 reached out to SISD and other school districts in El Paso County to ask if they are complying with the law. <\/p>\n
Only two districts did not answer, Socorro ISD and Tornillo ISD.<\/p>\n
Melissa Herrera reports on SISD on armed officers law (Credit: KFOX)<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Since then, KFOX14\/CBS4 has sent ten follow-up emails and attempted to call SISD for an interview or statement on the matter.<\/p>\n
After two calls and a follow-up email on Thursday, December 4, the district responded with the following statement:<\/p>\n
Socorro ISD\u2019s top priority is the safety and security of students and staff. The district maintains its own in-house, fully licensed school police department, with a funded Texas peace officer position assigned to every campus. Vacancies may result in an officer not being physically onsite at a campus full-time, and during those periods SISD patrol units rotate through schools to maintain coverage and rapid response support.<\/p>\n
According to Socorro ISD’s current job postings, it is hiring police officers or peace officers. <\/p>\n
KFOX14\/CBS4 followed up with Socorro ISD and asked how many police\/peace officer positions it is looking to fill and if, due to the vacancies, the district asked for a “good-cause exception.”<\/p>\n
Socorro ISD said:<\/p>\n
Information on existing vacancies has been fully reported, and the district is in the process of securing the necessary waiver. While we remain committed to transparency, the specific number of vacancies will not be disclosed publicly in order to protect the integrity of our district\u2019s safety operations.<\/p>\n
KFOX14\/CBS4 followed up with Tornillo ISD, and the district said:<\/p>\n
Yes, we have one armed peace officer, and the board adopted a \u201cgood-cause exception” on October 29th during the regular scheduled board meeting.<\/p>\n
Here’s what other school districts said:<\/p>\n
El Paso ISD:<\/p>\n
El Paso ISD is aware of the requirements outlined in House Bill 121. The El Paso ISD Board of Trustees has approved a Good Cause Exception as the district continues working diligently to recruit and secure certified peace officers for every campus. Ensuring the safety and security of all students and staff remains a top priority.<\/p>\n
Ysleta ISD:<\/p>\n
We can confirm that Ysleta ISD is in compliance because we have an armed defender at every campus. <\/p>\n
Canutillo ISD:<\/p>\n
Canutillo ISD is in full compliance with HB 121. We have an armed peace officer at every campus.<\/p>\n
San Elizario ISD:<\/p>\n
San Elizario ISD prioritizes the safety and well-being of every student and staff member. Each campus is assigned an armed peace officer to ensure a secure learning environment.Our district peace officers, security team, administrators, and all personnel work collaboratively to maintain the highest standards of safety and preparedness across our schools.<\/p>\n
Fabens ISD:<\/p>\n
Fabens ISD remains fully committed to ensuring the safety and security of all students, staff, and visitors across our schools. The district currently has a School Resource Officer (SRO) assigned to each of our campuses during school hours. These officers are certified peace officers who work closely with district administration to maintain a safe learning environment, provide proactive safety education, and build positive relationships with students.We continuously collaborate with local law enforcement and emergency response partners to review and strengthen our safety measures, ensuring compliance with state requirements outlined in House Bill 3 and the updated House Bill 121.At Fabens ISD, safety is our top priority, and we are grateful for the ongoing support of our law enforcement partners and community as we work together to protect our students and staff.<\/p>\n
Anthony ISD:<\/p>\n
The Anthony ISD Board of Trustees approved a Good Cause Exemption for HB 121. Despite not currently having an armed officer at each campus under this allowed exemption, we are taking several approaches to continue prioritizing safety and ensure we remain in compliance with the law.Our Safety and Security Manager — a former police officer — is currently completing the Texas School Marshal Program, which will authorize the employee to carry a firearm on school grounds. We anticipate to complete the Texas School Marshal Program by the end of November.Additionally, our district\u2019s three schools are all within walking distance of one another, and each campus has a patrol officer who has completed training in security awareness, emergency response and mental health support.We also maintain a close partnership with the Anthony Police Department whose headquarters are located just across the street from our schools.Safety is always at the top of our minds, and we hold with the utmost respect the responsibility of ensuring everyone in our district feels safe while learning and working in our facilities.<\/p>\n
Clint ISD:<\/p>\n
Clint ISD\u2019s primary focus is always the safety and well-being of our students and staff. Our school district transitioned to a new security firm, Rock Solid Protection, on October 1, 2025. Rock Solid Protection has an outstanding reputation for comprehensive school security. Their team has extensive experience in educational environments and a proactive approach to keeping all of our campuses secure. Rock Solid Protection will provide security at each Clint ISD campus under House Bill 3 which requires armed security officers during school hours.<\/p>\n
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