On July 10th, 2023, the Temple Independent School District's Board of Trustees approved the addition of 8 armed security officers contracted from American Paratus in response to the passage of HB3 in Texas. At the time of the news release, Temple ISD noted that the insufficient funding provided by HB3 would not cover the costs of armed security officers' addition to the classrooms, but despite the inadequate funding the district would move forward citing that "safety remains one of the district's highest priorities." Dr. Bobby Ott, superintendent of Temple schools, went on to note that TISD was collaborating on implementation and to ensure that the new security officers would be in the district's overall safety and security plans with the Temple Police Department and Chief Shawn Reynolds.
Recently a social media account purportedly belonging to one of the armed security officers working in TISD was discovered on a social media platform, X, formerly known as Twitter. In the publicly accessible "Likes" section of the profile numerous videos depicting nudity, oral and anal sex as well as twin brothers kissing and fondling each other are publicly accessible. Press vs Power is not naming the individual at this time, nor are we publishing the images and videos out of an abundance of caution for children in the community and elsewhere. The ability for students to potentially be exposed to this content in the event that they search for or attempt to connect via social media with the armed security officer raises questions that are currently unanswered.
Press vs Power attempted to interview Superintendent Bobby Ott of the Temple ISD via email on December 29th, 2023 as part of this story, however, as of January 20th, 2024 no reply has been received. Additionally, on December 29th, 2023, an attempt to interview via email was sent to American Paratus Security Agency, but no response has been received as of January, 20th, 2024. Lastly, on December 29th, 2023, an attempt to interview Chief Reynolds was emailed. On January 2nd, 2024, an email was received in response to the request to interview Chief Reynolds. In the email, sent by Nohely Mackowiak, Communications & PR Division Director for the city of Temple, Texas, Ms. Mackowiak noted that the city is declining to comment at this time and initiated a FOIA request on our behalf. However, as of January 20th, 2024 nothing has been received.
Currently, it is not known whether or not any Temple ISD policy or procedure was and is being violated by the presence of the content allegedly contained within the Officer's profile. Moreover, it is not known whether any American Paratus policy or procedure was and is being violated nor is it known whether this would violate any policy or procedure with the Temple Police Department nor whether these armed security officers are expected to adhere to the standards of any of the above.
This story will be updated as new information becomes available.
Comments