In East Brunswick, New Jersey, a school board is hiring Armed Police officers. This action followed the tragic incident that occurred where Nikolas Cruz, a 19-year-old man, killed 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. He also injured 14 with an AR-15 that he bought legally from his local gun store a year ago, CNN reported. He used it on February 14, and it is being called the Valentine's Day massacre [VIDEO]. Afterward, Cruz went to a Subway and finally McDonald's before he was caught. He is currently being held without bail for 17 counts of premeditated murder and is on suicide watch.
Cruz's motive is unclear but several investigations have been launched.
East Brunswick education board is not taking any chances
For two years the East Brunswick education board had been working on a plan with local law enforcement on how to ensure protection for faculty and students, but on February 15, after the high school shooting, it was clear something had to be done. They finally came to a conclusion, and as a result, the New Jersey local school board voted to put armed police officers in all schools in the district. They will be in junior and high schools alongside the current 71 unarmed retired law enforcement officers that are already doing routine patrols for the district.
Thoughts from school board
Todd Simmens, the board president of East Brunswick Public School, mentioned on CBS News that he will feel much better knowing there is now a line of defense, but also said he hopes it will never be needed. Natalie Duddridge, a reporter for CBS News, discussed students having to learn how to adjust to seeing armed police outside of their classrooms in the next two weeks.
Although for security reasons it could not be revealed how many officers will be hired, Victor Valeski, the superintendent, discussed also on CBS news how he wanted officers to be positive role models, and to deter threats. He also wants them to be aware of where students and staff enter and exit, including pick up zones for parents, and if an evaluation is needed.
An East Brunswick parent had this to say during a CBS interview: "I think they need it nowadays, it's sad but it keeps our students safer." New officers will not be hired, but, as an alternative, active duty law enforcement [VIDEO] will be taking up extra shifts and will be given overtime pay by the East Brunswick school board.
