A Message From The Barnegat Police Chief About School Safety

BARNEGAT TOWNSHIP, NJ - Police Chief Keith Germain wants residents to know what the police department is doing to address school safety concerns, including armed shooter drills dating back to the early 2000s.

"I know there have been a lot of questions and concerns about school safety and the types of security and precautions that are in place to protect our kids," he wrote on the police department's Facebook page. "As a parent of high school age kids, I know that there is no worry like the worry we have for our children. Because of that and the valid questions and concerns that many of you have, I wanted to get accurate information out to everyone."

There are many measures that are already in place, but cannot be discussed because of security concerns, the chief said in a video posted on youtube.

A police officer is on duty at all times at Barnegat High School. Others officers are in every school in the district at various times during the day, Germain said.

Every school in the district has a "panic button" that sends an alert to all officers on patrol and in the police department. That saves time rather than dialing 911, he said.

Each officer also has a patrol rifle in their vehicles at all times.

The department also reviews various shooting incidents around the country, like the recent school shooting in Parkland, Florida, he said.

"There are many things we have in place and concerns that many of you have, I wanted to get accurate information out to everyone," Germain said.

He asks that residents share the video, which can be found here.

"Please know that our officers are among the best trained and most skilled in the profession," the chief said. "Many of them are parents themselves and are committed to doing everything they can to keep our schools and kids safe.

Anyone with concerns can contact Germain at 609-698-5000 x203 or germain318@barnegat.net

Photo and video courtesy of the Barnegat Police Department