Campus police under the microscope after Tech shooting
The fatal shooting of Georgia Tech student Scout Schultz has shined the spotlight on the training and equipment of campus police officers.
Tech officer Tyler Beck, 23, is on paid leave pending the outcome of the GBI’s investigation into his decision to shoot Schultz, who had called 911 on Sept. 16 warning of a man armed with a knife and, possibly, a gun.
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Schultz, who left behind three suicide notes, was in fact carrying a utility tool with the blade not extended. Police ordered the 21-year-old computer engineering student to drop the knife but Schultz didn’t comply. The Lilburn native continued to move, slowly, towards the officers and was finally shot by Beck. Through his attorney, Beck maintains his actions were justified.
Critics say Schultz’s death could’ve been prevented had Tech officers been equipped with Tasers. And Beck, like many other Tech officers, had not completed the GBI’s Crisis Intervention Training, designed to help police deal with mentally ill or troubled suspects.
For a closer look at the role of police on Georgia's college campuses, check out the complete story on myajc.com.
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About the Author
A native Atlantan, Boone joined the AJC staff in 2007. He quickly carved out a niche covering crime stories, assuming the public safety beat in 2014. He's covered some of the biggest trials this decade, from Hemy Neuman to Ross Harris to Chip Olsen, the latter of which was featured on Season 7 of the AJC's award-winning "Breakdown" podcast.
