COURT HOUSE – Nearly concurrent actions took place Nov. 24 regarding placement of armed security guards at the Atlantic Cape Community College campus here and two in Atlantic County.
As if the college’s Board of Trustees had knowledge of what Cape May County freeholders planned, it took steps to provide armed security at Atlantic Cape campuses, according to a release.
The action included hearing the first reading of a proposed revision to the college’s Possession of Firearms Policy, No. 862. If approved, the revisions allow armed security officers and other persons authorized by the college president to possess firearms on college property, college-sponsored housing or at any college activity.
The action was taken in light of the increase in active shooter incidents at college campuses in the nation and a decision to provide a more rapid, on-site armed response to such an incident by providing an armed security presence at each of the campuses.
Additionally, the board authorized a three-month contract to U.S. Security Associates, Inc., for services not to exceed $100,000 to provide armed security guards.
Earlier in the day, at its afternoon meeting, freeholders passed a resolution that urged a study and consideration of a plan and program for armed security guards.
The resolution stated, “We live in an extraordinary time when our children attending public and private educational institutions to educate and prepare themselves for their futures are vulnerable to unexpected vicious acts of slaughter by mentally-deranged gunmen, often fellow students, bent on making a death-wish statement by an unthinkable act of massacre.”
Further, it noted Atlantic Cape, as one of 1,200 community colleges in the nation, does not have armed security, and that safety of students, faculty and staff are “an important element of the college community.”
The board urged a study and consideration of a plan and program to “arm security forces at the campuses of the Atlantic Cape Community College.
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