2 School Police Officers Hired In Chatham Amid Parent Concerns

CHATHAM, NJ — As discussions about strengthening school security continue throughout the Chatham School District, the Chatham Borough Police Department has hired two new probationary Class II Special Law Enforcement Officers (SLEO) who have been unanimously authorized by the Borough of Chatham Council.

On Monday night, the borough council approved the hiring of Thomas Chung and Vincent Cosenzo.

According to officials, Chung and Cosenzo will be paid a salary of $37.50 per hour for their part-time positions.

Last week, Chatham voters were asked to approve an additional $1.7 million in funding for enhanced protection in the form of six security vestibules and health benefits for paraprofessionals at the school district.

Here is a breakdown of both proposals.

When the official referendum questions were presented earlier this year, many parents questioned why the district was putting more thought into building security vestibules rather than investing the money to pay for increased police security at the schools.

Several parents, in particular, expressed concern that there is now just one special law enforcement officer assigned to all of the borough's schools.

"I want to thank all of the parents who came out and spoke with me at the coffee with a cop program. I not only heard your earnest pleas for the officers for the schools, but I echo that same sentiment. I'm looking forward to getting them started tomorrow," Chatham Borough Police Chief Brian Gibbons said.

Class III special law enforcement officers are armed and are retired officers from the police force.

Although they are funded through the Board of Education budget, they are still considered members of the local police departments.

When asked if the police have employed SLEOs to cover all of the borough schools, Gibbons stated that the department was trying to hire another.

"We have two SLEOs and unarmed guards as well and we are in the process of recruiting additional SLEOs as well. We are short on one and we are still looking for one, but I do have one particular person that we're reviewing now that might fit the bill perfectly," Gibbons said.

The Chatham Borough Police Department stated that they are still looking to hire additional Class II and Class III Special Law Enforcement Officers for the local school district.

Details about the open positions, as well as how to apply, may be found here.

All applicants must have at least 60 college credits from an authorized college or university or two years of law enforcement or military service.