Christie: Retired Police Officers Can Now Be Hired As School Safety Agents
TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Gov. Chris Christie has signed into law a bill that creates a new class of special law enforcement officers to provide security in New Jersey's schools and colleges.
Under the measure signed Wednesday, "class three" officers will be comprised of retired, former New Jersey law enforcement officers who are younger than age 65. They would be permitted to provide part-time security and would be permitted to carry handguns if they qualify under regulations.
The officers would also be permitted to respond to emergencies and crimes off school grounds that occur in their presence while headed to school.
The bill's sponsor, state Sen. Anthony Bucco, says the officers already have years of experience, which should make the transition to school security much easier.
Christie also approved a measure that will revise treatment requirements for convicted drug offenders receiving general assistance benefits as part of the Work First New Jersey program.
In 2013, officials in Lodi approved a plan to allow armed retired police officers to guard the borough's five elementary schools, with support from parents in the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary school shootings in Newtown, Conn.
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