Increased Security Continues in Brick Schools

Officials in town say that increased security patrols at Brick Township schools in the wake of the December shooting in Newtown, Conn., will continue.

In a joint statement released by Superintendent Dr. Walter Uszenski and Police Chief Nils R. Bergquist, it was explained that since the Connecticut incident, detectives from the Brick police department's Investigations Division have been randomly attending each school throughout the day and evaluating the current security measures that are in place.

They are also, in conjunction with the School Resource Officers – police officers permanently assigned to work in the township's schools –, meeting with each school's administrator to address any safety concerns they might have, the statement said.

The increased security also includes officers on patrol.

"Uniformed patrol officers have been directed to frequent the schools that are in their patrol district and also check and test the current security procedures that are in place," the statement said.

In addition to the increased police presence, the township's School Safety Committee, which consists of members from both the school district and police department, are meeting to review existing policies and procedures, safety measures and physical security measures at all of the schools.

"This is an on-going process which is often tested, practiced and evaluated for its effectiveness," the statement said. "This committee is always looking for innovative ideas to improve the safety at each and every one of the township schools for the children and staff."

Uszenski, even before the Sandy Hook shooting, had mentioned improving security measures and keeping students safe as one of his priorities.

He later requested each principal submit a list of security concerns to him for immediate action.