SCHOOL SAFETY PROGRAMS

The Long Hill Township Police Department Traffic/Service Section provides various School Safety Programs to the students throughout the entire school district.

Each year, the children preparing to start kindergarten classes attend a Kindergarten Workshop. At the Workshop, the children receive instruction on bus safety procedures and a presentation is given to the parents to assist in answering any questions they may have.

School Bus Safety: Twice each school year, instruction is provided to the entire school district on the fundamentals of bus safety. The goal of school bus safety program is to provide instruction to the students on the basic school bus safety and rules and to prepare students to avoid possible dangers. The safety program is geared to each individual grade level and is presented in a way that ensures comprehension. The topics presented include, but are limited to the list below:

  • school bus policy,
  • all emergency exits and how to use then,
  • behavior during emergency situations.

In an effort to make the program more successful, the Police Department requests participation from the school administration, the parents, the students and the bus company to help promote safe transportation. Parents may be interested in supporting the National Coalition for School Bus Safety.


Every Monday, a school resource officer from the Long Hill Township Police Department reports for duty at the Watchung Hills Regional High School to participate in the School Resource Officer Program. Warren Township, Green Brook, and Watchung report for duty Tuesday through Friday to ensure coverage throughout the entire school week.

The officers are there to try to narrow the gap between law enforcement and young people, to promote positive attitudes toward police officers, and to teach the value of our legal system in a way the students can comprehend. While in school the whole day, the officer tries to make contact with the students in order to open up informal dialogue. If a student knows about a possible hazardous situation or is aware of another student in possible danger, it is much easier for him to share it with the officer in this environment. If the student wants to discuss concerns outside of the everyday school curriculum, the officer is there to listen.

The officer is not there to be a disciplinarian, a hall monitor, or to make arrests at the school. Also, the officer has no role in setting school policy, and stays out of the school's disciplinary process. The office is available to teach violence diffusion, safety programs, alcohol and drug prevention and crime prevention whenever appropriate. Any questions regarding the school safety programs please contact Officer Lisa Winstock at 908-647-2038.