New Jersey Police Chiefs: Preparation Is Better Than Armed Guards
HILLSDALE, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Some New Jersey police chiefs have expressed serious doubts about the notion of armed guards in schools.
As WCBS 880's Levon Putney reported, Hillsdale Police Chief Chip Stalter in particular has raised objections to the lack of connection between any such guards and his department.
"I don't know their background; their training," he said. "They don't report to me."
New Jersey Police Chiefs: Preparation Is Better Than Armed Guards
Furthermore, Stalter said a couple guards on campuses still cannot cover all the doors and windows.
For that reason, he said: "We're encouraging all of our schools to have security audits done. You have to do exercises. It's great to have a program on paper.
But Mahwah police Chief James Batelli said practice makes perfect, and prepared if trouble ever comes, he said he wishes he could tell parents their kids schools won't be the next Sandy Hook or Columbine.
"It's not possible," he said. "What you want to do is minimize."
Chiefs Batelli and Stalter said that starts with practicing good emergency plans and keeping an open line to reach cops if ever needed.
The National Rifle Association publicly called for armed guards in schools across America in the wake of the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.
Governor Chris Christie has spoken out against the policy, saying it could lead to school campuses feeling more like armed camps.
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