Sergeant openings may mean new officer at SBHS
By: Matthew Armstrong
Even though the school year is less than a month away, the South Brunswick Police Department still has not decided which patrol officers will be stationed in district schools as part of the school resource officer program.
However, current promotions within the department could limit the candidates for the SRO program.
Police Chief Michael Paquette said a decision should be made on which officers will attend which school within the next two weeks.
The school’s first choice, Patrol Officer Thomas Glapion, who proved so likable last year, may not be available to return to the high school. He is being considered for a promotion to sergeant. The department has openings for two sergeant positions.
"Sergeants do not serve as SROs," said Chief Paquette. "Everything revolves around the process of sergeant promotions."
Last year, tensions between high school students and some teachers and the Police Department rose after a physical altercation between the school resource officer and three students. The students were charged with aggravated assault and resisting arrest.
The resource officer, Patrol Officer Scott Williams, was put on administrative leave for an unrelated incident.
Students protested the handling of the incident and the existence of a police presence in the school with a number of classroom walkouts and petitions asking for an end to the SRO program.
But, high school students grew more receptive to the program when Patrol Officer Glapion took over the position. Students and faculty said there was a strong bond with Officer Glapion and the antagonism for the SRO program quickly faded.
As school broke for the summer, Superintendent Sam Stewart said he hoped Officer Glapion would return in the fall. However, who will be the school’s SRO is a decision only Chief Paquette can make.
"I imagine in the next two weeks or so we’ll know which officers will be where," said Chief Paquette.
Ten officers are taking a written and oral test. If they all pass the test, officers will be selected based on their seniority. Among the candidates, Officer Glapion has the second highest seniority ranking, according to police spokesperson Lt. Ronald Schmaltz.
The chief has three candidates to choose from for each open sergeant position, as stated in an agreement between the department and the Policeman’s Benevolent Association and memorialized by the Township Council. For the two open positions, Chief Paquette will consider the top six candidates.
He said the school resource officer eventually assigned to the high school will continue to create a bond between the school and the police
"We’re looking forward to the school year and making a good program even better," said Chief Paquette.