A new state law in New Jersey will let almost all retired law enforcement under age 65 become armed school police officers, including former correctional officers who spent their careers guarding prisons.
Signed Monday by Gov. Phil Murphy, the law lets retired NJ Transit officers, Port Authority Police, Fish and Wildlife officers, and others become part-time school police officers under the direction of the local police chiefs. It comes amid a push to bolster school security following last year's mass shooting in Parkland, FL, reports nj.com.
"They are job-tested and proven in high-pressure situations," said Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce, R-Morris, a sponsor of the bill. "Their presence in schools will make the halls, cafeterias and playgrounds safer."
Full-time school resource officers are recommended, and many districts have them. But these officers work part-time exclusively serving schools and receive no benefits, making the cost significantly less than a full-time officer.
