By: Follow South Jersey Staff
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — For the first time in the city’s history, Atlantic City Police Department and Atlantic City Board of Education agreed to add a police officer in every K-8 school and two officers in Atlantic City High School throughout the entire academic school year. The new assignments were made possible through a $3.75M Community Oriented Policing Services (C.O.P.S) Hiring Grant the City was awarded earlier this year.
“For the first time in the Great City of Atlantic City, we have at least one officer in each of our schools, and I’m extremely proud to say this unprecedented change is happening under the Small administration,” Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, Sr. said in a press release from the city. “This is something City leaders discussed in the past, but none were able to get the job done until now. This took a lot of hard work from many different individuals, and the addition of our School Resource Officers will allow our police officers to protect our children and school staff like never before.”
The officers, all of whom volunteered for this critical position, will work to build relationships with the students, teachers, and staff at their respective school. The new unit is supervised by ACPD Sergeant Timothy Smith, who has experience as a former juvenile detective. In addition, ACPD Detective Thomas McCabe will investigate any crimes that occur on school property.
“Having Officers in every school is one of the most important steps we can take to ensure the safety of our students and school staff,” AC Police Chief James Sarkos stated. “With their presence, our officers not only help prevent potential threats but also act as positive role models, mentors, and valuable resources for students in need.”
“We look forward to partnering with the City of Atlantic City and the Atlantic City Police Department,” Dr. La’Quetta Small, Superintendent of Atlantic City Public Schools, said. “The Atlantic City Public School District has always prioritized safety. However, through this partnership, we are able to further improve school safety and security by providing full-time police officers in each school. It is our expectation that the police officers foster positive relationships with students, staff, parents and the community.”
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