Should Armed Cops Be In NJ Schools?

Gov. Chris Christie is expected to sign a bill passed by state lawmakers that will put armed, retired cops in New Jersey schools.

On Thursday, the state Senate unanimously passed a bill to establish "Class Three" special police officers: officers who would provide security at both public and private schools.

Earlier this month, Christie conditionally vetoed this bill, but an amendment stating an officer must successfully complete a basic firearms course provided by an approved academy is expected to change the governor's mind.

"The safety of our children in schools is of paramount concern, especially in the wake of senseless violent attacks in the very places that our children should feel safest," he said in his veto.

Class Three special law enforcement officers would be retired police officers less than 65 years old. These officers would be authorized to provide security at a public or nonpublic school while they are on the school premises, or within 100 feet of the school during hours when it's in session, or when it's occupied by students or their teachers.

I'm actually leaning towards the supportive side of this debate. As much as I hate the idea of bringing guns into schools, I think that this is the best way to go about it. I like the idea of using retired cops, I can somewhat-grudgingly accept the idea of "one good guy with a gun", and I can definitely support the requirement of the needs to pass a basic firearms course. This is a pretty substantial reversal for my typical gun views, but as gun attacks become more and more frequent, I'm starting to come around to the side that believes we need more protection.