Are Six Cops Enough for 24 Schools?

The Woodbridge Board of Education passed a measure last week to add three more Woodbridge patrolman to the three they already have to patrol the district's 24 schools.

But parents in Woodbridge don't seem to think that's nearly enough officers to adequately keep the schools safe.

"I think that's a great first step but, only 6 patrolmen to cover 24 schools? I would feel better if each school had a full time security guard. Malls have security guards, maybe something like that," said Michele Ladis Frabasile on Woodbridge Patch's Facebook page.

Many of the posters were reacting to the December shootings at a Sandy Hook, Connecticut school that left 20 first grade students dead.

"It's a start but [it] doesnt give me a sigh of relief when only 6 patrolmen guard 24 schools," said Jennifer Lunsden-Chick. 

"There should be at least one in every elementery school in district."

Some commenters on the original article also thought that six policemen for 24 schools didn't cut it, either.

"What do you suppose the odds are that an itinerant police officer would be at a particular building during the exact moment an emergency occurs?" said a poster named LB. "Surely, there must be a more efficient, safe, and cost-effective way to protect our children."

New Woodbridge Schools Superintendent Robert Zega said that doubling the number of police from three to six is a way of trying to protect district students while keeping an eye on costs.

"If you hire someone full time for each building, you're talking about a lot of money," Zega said.

Each of the patrolmen will be driving township police cars, paid for by the township and not the BOE. They will be paid $39 an hour. 

"I am sure retired police would be happy to do it, one at each school for less money," suggested Kimberly Smith-Leonard Schmalenberger. "I am grateful that we have something, though."

Evelyn York said that a policeman wasn't enough protection against an armed assailant. "We need doors to automatically lock when school starts and have a metal detector at the entrances," she said.

"Every teacher should carry mace."

What do you think? Is six patrolmen enough for Woodbridge's 24 schools? Post your comments below.