Township Police, School Officials to Discuss School Safety

No one likes to think about it, but the safety of students while they’re in school has become a prime concern.

With that in mind, at 6 p.m. on Monday at the Manchester branch of the Ocean County Library, township Police Chief Brian Klimakowski, township Schools Superintendent David Trethaway, and School Resource Officer Chris Cerullo will talk about the steps that are being taken in the district to protect students and faculty.

“With another school year just a month away, it’s important for parents to know what’s being done in our township schools to ensure students can learn in a safe environment,” Klimakowski said.

Security assessments have been conducted at all of the township’s schools, he said, and township police recently hosted and participated in an active shooter training course that stresses the ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) approach.

The ALICE method increases survival rates by empowering students and staff to be proactive in a situation with an active shooter, rather than hunkering in place in a dangerous situation, Klimakowski said.

In addition, ways the district is combating bullying will be addressed and there will be a question-and-answer session.

This is third of six “Staying Safe in Manchester” public safety presentations by the police department. Upcoming sessions include:

Registration for each session is requested; call 732-657-7600 or sign up online at www.theoceancountylibrary.org. In addition, residents can enroll at the sessions in the NIXLE emergency notification system, used by the township and throughout the state for instant text-message updates on emergency situations. You also can register online at www.manchesterpolicenj.com.