Hunterdon County Sheriff’s Office expands school security program

UNION TOWSHIP, NJ (Hunterdon County) – The Hunterdon County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce the expansion of their Special Law Enforcement Officer Class III Program (SLEO III), to now include Union Township Schools.

The SLEO III program was created in accordance with state law to create officers’ positions within the Sheriff’s Office to assist school districts in need of security assistance.

These officers are authorized to exercise full powers and duties similar to those of a permanent, regularly appointed full-time police officer while providing security at a public school, on school premises, and during hours when the public school is normally in session.

In addition to Union Township Schools, the Hunterdon County Sheriff’s Office currently has officers assigned to the East Amwell School District, Delaware Valley Regional High School, and Hunterdon County Vocational School District.

Among several qualifications, a SLEO III must be a retired police officer, who has previously served as a duly qualified full time law enforcement officer, and the cost associated with this position is paid for with funding by the school boards.

The SLEO III program overwhelmingly contributes to why Hunterdon has been noted as one of the safest places in the country to raise a family.

“There is nothing more important than the safety of our students,” Sheriff Fred Brown said.

Commissioner John Lanza, who serves as liaison to the Sheriff’s Office said, “The Commissioner Board wholeheartedly supports the SLEO III program that Sheriff Brown has implemented with several of our county school districts and we thank Sheriff Brown for his leadership on this issue.”