School Safety

As school safety is linked to improved student outcomes, the promotion of safe and supportive schools is a critical component to the overall well-being of a school community. Safe schools are those aimed at creating a nurturing and positive school environment that is free of violence, harassment and bullying, substance use influence, and other negative behaviors. The resources on this page are provided to assist schools in their school safety planning and violence prevention initiatives.

Statutues

All References below can be found at the New Jersey Legislature's website:

N.J.S.A. 2A:4A-60, Disclosure of Juvenile Information; Penalties for Disclosure
N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5, Unlawful Possession of Weapons
N.J.S.A. 18A:37-7 through 12, Zero Tolerance for Guns Act
N.J.S.A. 18A:40A-12 Reporting of pupils under influence; examination; report; return home; evaluation of possible need for treatment; referral for treatment
N.J.S.A. 18A:37-7 through 12, Zero Tolerance for Guns Act
N.J.S.A. 18A:40A-12 Reporting of pupils under influence; examination; report; return home; evaluation of possible need for treatment; referral for treatment
N.J.S.A 52:17B-71.8 and 18A:17-43.1Training course for safe schools resource officers, liaisons to law enforcement

Regulations

All References below can be found on the NJDOE Administrative Code page:

N.J.A.C. 6A:16-4, Procedures for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Intervention
N.J.A.C. 6A:16-5.3, Incident Reporting of Violence, Vandalism and Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse
N.J.A.C. 6A:16-5.4, Access to Juvenile Justice Information
N.J.A.C. 6A:16-6, Law Enforcement Operations for Alcohol, Other Drugs, Weapons and Safety
N.J.A.C. 6A:16-6.2(b)13 through 15, Development and Implementation of Policies and Procedures
N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.1, Code of Student Conduct

Each district board of education is required to adopt and implement policies and procedures for ensuring appropriate cooperation between school staff and law enforcement authorities in matters involving alcohol, drugs, weapons and safety. Information and resources in support of this cooperative working relationship, including the document titled A Uniform Statewide Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Between Education and Law Enforcement Officials, can be found on the MOA webpage.