Councilman David G. Greenfield introduced legislation this week in the City Council that would improve safety at every New York City school by requiring the NYPD to provide all institutions – whether they are public or private – with a School Safety Agent at the administration’s request. While every public school in the five boroughs currently has at least one School Safety Agent assigned to it, non-public schools are not provided this same level of security. In addition, there is no requirement that every public school have a School Safety Agent, meaning that the NYPD could decide to change its policy of assigning one to every public school at any time. In response, Councilman Greenfield’s legislation would simply require that the NYPD provide a School Safety Agent to every public and private school in New York City at the school administration’s request.

“Every child deserves to attend school in a secure environment, regardless of whether they attend a public or private school. This legislation will help ensure that every school in the five boroughs is safe by providing a School Safety Agent at the school’s request. Quite frankly, we are inviting tragedy by not having security officers in some schools. After Newtown we shouldn’t be taking any chances with our children’s lives,” said Councilman Greenfield.

The School Safety Division is part of the NYPD’s Community Affairs Unit and employs over 5,000 School Safety Agents and 169 uniformed police officers that are assigned to schools based on need as determined by the NYPD. It was part of the Department of Education until 1998, when its responsibilities were transferred to the NYPD. Agents have arrest powers and fulfill duties including monitoring school entrances, exits and hallways, operating ID scanners, cameras and metal detectors and coordinating with precinct officers when situations arise. Their presence helps provide a secure classroom to all students and teachers and ensure a safe and optimal learning environment free of aggression and dangers.

“We have seen too many recent reminders about the need to review security at every school and take steps before a tragedy occurs. Our city and the NYPD has a responsibility to keep every student safe in every single New York City School, public or private, and this is an important step towards that goal,” added Councilman Greenfield.
The legislation was introduced at Wednesday’s Stated Council meeting and has been referred to the Public Safety Committee for hearings.

(YWN Desk – NYC)