In the wake of news throughout the nation of heightened needs for security in the school system, police officers from the local Police Department will be at the Elementary School every school day this season, Police Chief Robert Burton announced this week.
The officers will be Class III officers, the chief explained, and will be armed.
However, to enable students to feel more comfortable by their presence, while they will be in police uniforms, it will be the softer style, khaki colored pants with a polo shirt, he said.
“This is something I have been advocating since I became Chief of Police five years ago, “ Burton said. “ In today’s world, having an armed police officer in the school is needed.
The program has been designed in concert among the Mayor and Council the Police Chief and the Highlands Board of Education. Police presence will be in the school from before the first student arrives until the end of the school day after all students have vacated the building.
“The Mayor and Council support this initiative 100%. Educators should be focusing on the students’ learning experience and the Police should handle the safety of our children. Having this extra layer of security should give children, parents and staff some much needed reassurance.” said Mayor Carolyn Broullon
Officers on duty will be responsible for ensuring the safety of all students, staff and guests on the entire campus. Their specific duties will vary daily and in coordination and under the direction of the building Principal and or the Superintendent.
Providing the additional service from the local department will not impact staffing or current protection of all residents throughout the municipality, Burton pointed out. New Jersey law is very specific with regards to the duties of Class III law enforcement officers he said, and they cannot be used in any other circumstances except in the school.
The officer will be paid at the hourly rate of $35, standard for this type of work, with an additional $3.50 an hour for incidental costs associated with the duties and need. While the borough’s police department is responsible for training, medical screenings, uniforms and equipment for the officer, all the costs for the service are financed by the Board of Education.
“This new procedure and officer presence should put the minds of our parents and staff at ease,” Chief Burton said. “Unfortunately, there has been so much violence in school settings throughout the country that additional drills and training has been mandated inside the building for all students and staff. Having a police officer present can hopefully make them feel safer while also serving as a deterrent.”
The chief added it appears the general public throughout the nation has potentially asked teachers to put themselves in harm’s way to protect our most prized possessions/ That has happened without giving thought to the fact that “this isn’t what educators sign up for. They want to be effective in children’s lives and teach.” With this new policy, “teachers can focus on education and leave the other constant worrying they have to us. “
Henry Hudson Regional School has opted for private security protection rather than the local department, the chief said.
