Officers work hand in hand with the school district to identify at-risk-students and to address issues of school safety.
Mt. Laurel Mayor Richard Van Noord and Deptuy Mayor Dennis Riley have announced the dedication of a second police officer for school security for Mt. Laurel Schools.
“In light of recent events, the township wanted to take action to improve security and assist the school district,” Riley said. “The township approached the school district in February and a place was devised to appoint a second resource officer (SRO).”
According to officials, Officer David Sweely, who has been with the Mt. Laurel Police Department for nearly 19 years, will start in his new position as school resource officer on April 23.
Officials say Sweely has been trained in school security and was formerly an SRO in the township. He will assist the current SRO, Officer Lester Hann, who has been with the department for 10 years.
“The township has a great working relationship with the school district, and my children attend the public schools,” Van Noord said. “I’m just as concerned as any other parent about school safety, and offering resources to help the district was a high priority, even though we had already drafted our budget.”
Officials say school resource officers work hand in hand with the school district to identify at-risk-students and to address issues of school safety.
“We thank Officers Sweely and Hann for the service,” Riley said. “We know they will work with the school district as part of the district’s overall security plan as part of a proactive approach to keeping our students safe.”
