This bill allows school districts in New Jersey to appoint a school security specialist to provide security services within schools. A school security specialist can be an employee of a private security company or a school district employee who meets specific qualifications, including having at least 20 years of law enforcement experience in a supervisory role, being in good health and moral character, and holding a valid New Jersey driver's license. The bill mandates that individuals appointed as school security specialists undergo a criminal history check and complete designated training programs before their appointment. Additionally, the bill stipulates that a local board of education may permit these specialists to carry handguns on school premises, contingent upon compliance with existing firearm regulations.

The bill also introduces a new section to the law establishing the New Jersey School Safety Specialist and School Security Specialist Academy, which will serve as a central repository for best practices and training standards related to school safety and security. The academy will develop a certification program for both school safety specialists and school security specialists, providing training in various areas such as emergency planning, conflict management, and recognizing behavioral issues. Furthermore, the bill amends existing laws to ensure that school security specialists are included in training programs designed for safe schools resource officers, thereby enhancing the overall safety and security framework within New Jersey schools.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:17-43.2, 52:17B-71.8