What's New With U March 2018 | Page 4

Union Township Public Schools and Police Department Adopt New “Park n Walk” Safety Program

On Monday March 26, 2018, in an effort to enhance school security, the Township of Union Public Schools, in conjunction with the Union Police Department instituted the "Park n Walk" program. Officers, at random times, working the area of each of the district schools will park, walk around the outside of the school, checking all doors to make sure they are secured. The officers will also enter the school through the front door, sign in with the front door greeter and announce their presence to the main office and administration, before conducting a walk through of the school building. They will then sign out again with the greeter and leaving through the front door. This program will be implemented during all school days when the officers work load permits.

Captain Robert Perez of the Union Police Department stated, “We stand committed to the safety of the children and faculty of our schools.” District Security Officer Nicholas Ardito added, “It is everyone's responsibility to make sure our school buildings are safe. The Park and Walk Program that we will start in cooperation with the Union Police is a great way to partner with our communities first responders. It’s a great way for our staff and students to get to know who our police officers are and what they do for us everyday. Our first responders are a second set of eyes for all of our safety.

Any questions or concerns can be addressed to Mr. Nick Ardito (Director of Security) ([email protected]).