Apply By Friday, July 15th to Serve in 2022-2023 School Year
For Immediate Release:
June 24, 2022
Middletown, NJ – At the June 6th Middletown Township Committee Workshop Meeting, the Township Committee unanimously approved a shared services agreement with the Board of Education (BOE) to hire Class III Special Law Enforcement Officers (S.L.E.O.s) to work in the 16 public schools to enhance the safety and security of the students, staff, and facilities.
“The horrific tragedy at Ross Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas once again demonstrated the need for all districts to increase police security at our schools,” said Mayor Tony Perry. “Public safety is always our top priority, and this effort will serve as a model across New Jersey.”
In response, the Middletown Township Police Department (MTPD) has already increased patrols as of June 1st across the school district and armed Class III S.L.E.O.s will be in all public schools beginning this September.
Superintendent of Schools Mary Ellen Walker stated, “The Middletown Township Public School District has a very comprehensive and effective security plan, which we are continually enhancing. We are very pleased to be adding Class III officers whose presence will provide another layer of protection for our students and staff, and promote a safe and positive school climate.”
Middletown Township Board of Education President Frank Capone added, “We are fortunate to have officers who relate well with our youth and can offer our students and staff the feeling of protection they deserve. We have been and always will be committed to the safety of the schools and our community. I'm very happy and proud the Board decided to take this step collaboratively with the Township and our Administration.”
In an effort to secure enough qualified Class III officers by August, MTPD is currently accepting applications through Friday, July 15th to sufficiently staff the schools. Among the requirements for the position, applicants must possess a Police Training Commission (PTC) S.L.E.O. III Certification or be eligible for a waiver. Candidates must also be a retired officer who has previously served as a duly qualified, full-time law enforcement officer in any municipality, county, agency of this state, bi-state agency, or federal agency, with a break in service not exceeding three (3) years.
"The Middletown Township Police Department is fully committed to working collaboratively with the Board of Education to further enhance security in our school district by providing protection that ensures our children have a safe learning environment," stated Chief of Police R. Craig Weber. "The safety and wellbeing of our students, school faculty, and staff is of paramount importance and a top priority for this agency.”
The application period has been extended to Friday, July 15th. Interested candidates should submit an application, a resume to include additional training applicable to the position as a S.L.E.O. III, and a cover letter to the Chief of Police R. Craig Weber. Visit www.middletownnj.org/jobs to download an application or pick one up by appointment at Police Headquarters, located at 1 Kings Highway, Middletown. Class III duties are limited to school hours. Completed applications and materials must be submitted by mail, hand-delivery, or e-mail no later than July 8, 2022 to Sgt. Steven Keller, skeller@middletownnj.org.
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Contact: Deputy Chief Paul Bailey
Public Information Officer, MTPD
Desk: (732) 615-2066
pbailey@middletownnj.org