Crossing Guard Shortage In West Orange Forces Cops To Pick Up Slack

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Police officers in West Orange have been picking up the slack to help the town cope with a crossing guard shortage, officials say.

On Thursday, municipal officials released a statement about the shortage, which has sometimes forced local police officers to take up traffic control duties in the absence of enough qualified crossing guards.

Here’s the problem, West Orange officials explained:

“Typically, trained crossing guards working for the WOPD have provided the vital function at busy intersections and cross streets to assist students and control traffic. If there are not enough crossing guards police officers are then assigned to perform these duties … Periodic evaluations or studies help guide the department in determining the best use of available resources. This practice is routine and at times may cause resources to be redirected in order to operate as a more efficient law enforcement agency. This process does not jeopardize community welfare and protecting the public by the best means possible is always a top priority. It however may leave certain locations without the benefit of police officers in the absence of unfilled crossing guard positions. The re-evaluation study resulting in the changes is in line with other township workforce staffing studies conducted in the past.”

The number of crossing guard positions that need to be filled rose to 16 at one point, officials noted. his resulted in police shifts to be held over twice a day and, in some instances, caused officers to be recalled from home.

Extended shifts are also a contributing factor in officer fatigue, which increases sick and injury time that further strains “already challenged” police staffing issues, officials said.

For now, West Orange residents can pitch in by simply paying attention when they enter a school zone, Police Chief James Abbott said.

“Passing motorists in and around school zones should be reminded to follow all motor vehicle regulations allowing all pedestrians including students to safely navigate crossing streets in the absence of crossing guards,” Abbott said.

But the current shortage of crossing guards in West Orange is an “ongoing concern,” a town spokesperson acknowledged in a statement.

An ongoing appeal to the public that began last summer hasn’t plugged the gap, he added.

• See related: West Orange Hiring School Crossing Guards, Locals Get Priority

The West Orange Police Department is looking to hire crossing guards as paid positions with training that includes 15 sick days, 12 vacation days and three personal days. Any interested applicants can contact Kate Davenport at admin@westorange.org, or call (973) 325- 4050 for more information or to apply.

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