For Immediate Release – May 27, 2022
MIDDLETOWN, NJ – Middletown Township and the Board of Education (BOE) today announced a joint decision to implement increased police security at all 16 public schools effective Wednesday, June 1st through the remainder of the school year. This will be on the agenda and discussed at the Tuesday, May 31st BOE Workshop Meeting.
“The horrific tragedy at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas is a reminder that you cannot predict where or when evil may strike your town or school,” said Mayor Tony Perry. “In response, our police force has stepped up patrols at all schools as a visible deterrent, and armed officers will now be present to protect our students and staff.”
Both the township and school governing bodies, with administration’s support, felt it was imperative to institute an immediate effort to increase police security.
“My fellow board members and I will be voting to hire off-duty Middletown Township police officers to provide additional security at all our public schools so community members feel safe,” said BOE President Frank Capone. “We are fortunate to have officers who relate well with our youth and can offer the type of protection needed in today’s environment.”
In August, the Township and BOE plan to enter a shared service agreement whereby Class III Special Law Enforcement Officers will be armed in all school buildings for the 2022-2023 school year.
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