Armed Officers in Schools Not a Good Atmosphere for Kids, Christie Says

During his appearance on New Jersey 101.5 FM radio station's 'Ask the Governor' segment Wednesday, Gov. Chris Christie said he doesn't think armed law enforcement officers are necessary in schools.

"I don't think that we need to have armed police officers in schools," Christie said, "and I don't think it's a great atmosphere for children to see an armed person walking around the school."

Christie's comments were in response to host Eric Scott referencing Westfield's recent vote to fund a full-time police officer who will be stationed at Westfield High School. On Monday evening, the Westfield Board of Education voted 7-2 to reinstate the school resource officer position for the 2013-14 school year. Board members Mitch Slater and Ann Cary voted against the decision. The officer's salary has been estimated at $100,000 and will be divided equally between the Town of Westfield and the school district.

Residents spoke out against the SRO at both Monday's meeting and the prior one, held June 11 when the vote was originally due to take place but was tabled as Cary suggested the Board might be "jumping the gun." Slater, too, asked for more information and said he didn't see a need to rush toward a decision.

Residents also argued that the SRO's position seemed both "huge" and "very, very vague," with the district's goals and objectives for the officer not yet clearly defined. But despite the public's pleas to look at other alternatives to a full-time police officer and suggestions that the $50,000 the Board will allocate could be put to better use, the Board approved the position. 

Christie said while it is up to each district to make its own decision, and he would not bar any municipality from placing a law enforcement officer inside a school, the former U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey doesn't believe it's warranted.

"If you're asking me as a former law enforcement guy if I think it's necessary, no, I do not think it's necessary," he said. 

Do you agree with Gov. Christie? Tell us in the comments.