TULSA, OKLA (KTUL) — Bulletproof backpacks have become more common on school campuses, but are they worth it?
While there’s no federal mandate tracking the number of students carrying bulletproof backpacks, market data reveals a surge. Data shows that in 2023, Oklahoma experienced 7 mass shootings.
Overall gun death rates in Oklahoma are among the highest in the U.S., at 19.8 deaths per 100,000 residents, compared to the national average.
According to the Department of Justice, about 77% of school shootings involve handguns, the type that soft ballistic panels are designed to stop. Soft ballistic panels in backpacks can stop most handgun rounds, but not high-powered rifle rounds, like those fired from AR-style weapons, per the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) standards
Right now, soft ballistic backpacks, which can stop most handgun rounds but not rifle fire, typically range from $150 to $300, according to DHS and NIJ equipment assessments
Law enforcement and school safety officials caution that backpacks may offer a false sense of security.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma law now mandates that all public school districts maintain an emergency operations plan (EOP) that includes active assailant protocols.
The state department of education’s office of school safety and security, established under HB2903, requires:
- Annual training for staff and administrators in “run hide fight” tactics and threat assessment
- SRO (school resource officer) training funded through state grants
- Installation of RAVE Panic Alert systems, classroom door lock drills, and formal security assessments
By law, districts must also conduct six safety drills each school year, including:
- Two fire drills
- Two tornado drills
- Two additional drills (often intruder or lockdown scenarios)
Schools also must document each drill and coordinate with emergency responders when appropriate.
Governor Stitt and Superintendent Ryan Walters have committed $150 million over three years to fund active shooter training, school resource officers, and security upgrades. So far, more than 4,500 school staff and nearly 4,000 law enforcement officers across approximately 400 school districts have completed run, hide, fight and laser training programs.
