School Security Focus of County Prosecutor Summit

Since the Newtown shootings, school safety has been on the minds of many throughout the nation and here at home. In an effort to generate community discussion on the topic, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office wants to get citizens talking.

In partnership with the East Hanover School District, the New Jersey Department of Education and the Morris County Superintendent of Schools, the prosecutor's office is sponsoring a Morris County School Safety and Security Summit. The event is scheduled for next Tuesday, Feb. 26, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy at 500 W. Hanover Ave. in Parsippany.

“Community-wide partnerships and efforts that focus on leveraging all of our support systems, both in the educational community and in the law enforcement community, will further strengthen our school security infrastructure now and in the years to come," said East Hanover School District Superintendent Joseph Ricca.

"The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office has been an innovative and committed partner in the ongoing effort to be sure that each and every student in Morris County is afforded the opportunity to attend school in a safe and secure environment.”

The summit is designed to promote discussions among parents, guardians and community members highlighting the efforts that are being undertaken within area schools to keep students safe. Additionally, organizers say the event will be informative, as guest speakers will highlight the complexities of school security in the modern age.

Scheduled speakers will include representatives from the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, the New Jersey Department of Education, the East Hanover Township School District and the Morris School District.

Topics for the evening's discussion will include school climate and culture, facilities preparedness, communication and reporting procedures and identifying the signs of potential challenges.

Admission is free, and all are invited. Prospective attendees are asked to  RSVP to Detective Keisha Higgs at RSVP@co.morris.nj.us or 973-285-6268.