Increased Police Presence At Clarkstown Schools

Clarkstown School District Superintendent Dr. J. Thomas Morton informed parents on Thursday that police visibility at the schools will increase. The more frequent police presence begins immediately with officers stopping at schools as part of their regular patrols.  Clarkstown officers will conduct walking tours of schools and meet with principals. 

The expanded role of the police in ensuring school safety extends to police vehicles making more stops in school parking lots and at front entrances. In his message to parents, the superintendent noted the changes are a result of the partnership between the police department and district, which prioritizes children’s safety. 

These changes follow a December letter in which Dr. Morton listed several safety improvements under consideration including the addition of armed guards at elementary schools, installation of school panic buttons connected directly to police headquarters and providing police department access to all school district security cameras. The Lower Hudson Valley Council of School Superintendents issud recommendations last month for improving school safety. 

Dear Parents, Guardians and Staff,

I have mentioned in my prior communications about the strong partnership between our District and the Clarkstown Police Department.  They share in our belief that the safety of our children is our highest priority.

I am pleased to inform you that effective immediately, The Clarkstown Police Department will be increasing their presence on all of our school campuses. Chief Sullivan has directed his officers to ensure that their regular patrols incorporate routine stops at our schools.  Officers will be meeting with building principals and conducting walking tours throughout the school buildings on an ongoing basis.  This will be an opportunity for the officers to further coordinate with the principals on safety procedures within and outside of our buildings.

In addition, you can expect to see marked police vehicles at front entrances to our schools and in our parking lots at various times throughout the day.

This initiative is part of the ongoing effort on behalf of the Clarkstown Police Department and the Clarkstown Central School District to ensure the safety and security of our children.

Please feel free to call my office at (845) 639-6418 if you have any questions.

Sincerely,
Dr. J. Thomas Morton
Superintendent of Schools