Author: Bernie James

Safety Law News for February 2, 2016

In New Jersey, legislation has been introduced that creates “Class Three” special police officers designated to provide security at both public and private schools and community colleges. The position would be open to police officers under the age of 65…

Safety Law News for January 26, 2016

In South Carolina, proposed legislation would create “School Protection Officers,” who would be teachers, administrators or any other school employees who would be allowed to carry guns or pepper spray at school. [House Bill 4716] In Utah, officials launched the…

Safety Law News for January 22, 2016

In Michigan, officials in the Grand Rapids Public Schools turn down a $1 million grant in implement a school resource officer program. Parents and other community leaders said they weren’t comfortable having police officers inside the schools after national incidents…

Safety Law News for January 19, 2016

In Nebraska, school resource officers are participating in Washington County’s juvenile diversion program. The program is designed to address recidivism and substance abuse among nonviolent juveniles. Once they complete the program, participants will have a felony conviction dismissed. In Maryland,…

Safety Law News For January 12, 2016

In Florida, a lawmaker has proposed a bill that would require school-resource officers at every public-school campus. The legislation, SB 1368, would require that at least one officer be present at each public school from 30 minutes before classes start…

Safety Law News for December 21, 2015

In New Mexico, the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit ruled that the arrest of a student with special needs for kicking a teacher in violation of state law prohibiting battery upon school personnel did not constitute…

Safety Law News for December 16, 2015

In Nebraska, the Lincoln Police Department will begin to include de-escalation tactics into its defensive and control tactics training. It is part of an assessment into how officers diffuse tense situations. When an officer does use force, a report must…

Safety Law News for December 8, 2015

In Indiana, school officials in Muncie are moving away from zero tolerance policies with a new discipline policy that combines elements of restorative justice with mandated suspensions. New Jersey school districts are improving social media safety by taking a proactive…

Safety Law News for December 2, 2015

In Tennessee, the Winchester School Board has approved a computer-based system that will scan IDs to ensure student safety, but how necessary the move is has now come into question. In Illinois, school officials in Edwardsville have created a Crime…