New Jersey District Looking to Hire Private, Armed Security

New Jersey District Looking to Hire Private Armed Security

If successful, it would be the first time a K-8 school district in Burlington County has been guarded full-time by a non-law enforcement officer.

Southampton Township Schools is looking to hire private, armed security to increase security and safety at its campuses. If successful, it would be the first time a K-8 school district in Burlington County has been guarded full-time by a non-law enforcement officer.

Southampton is one of many districts expanding security at elementary schools to include measures that were once only used at high schools.

Superintendent Michael Harris said the district is serious about finding the right people for the job.

“We’re not looking for ‘Paul Blart, Mall Cop,’” Harris said. “This is more than bringing someone with a firearm onto campus. We’re looking for someone with a lot of experience.”

Currently, Southampton receives free security from the New Jersey State Police. Most districts in Burlington County receive security staff from municipal police or from retired officers employed by local police.

According to a request for proposals issued earlier this month, responsibilities of Southampton’s private security officer would include providing armed security during the school day and for some evening events, vetting visitors to campus, monitoring video surveillance and conducting routine inspections.

Candidates must have more than 20 years of experience in law enforcement. Harris said the district expects to spend about $55,000 to $60,000 on the officer.

Southampton’s decision to hire private security comes as part of a larger effort to increase security measures, including plans for a $300,000 video surveillance system and the hiring of a second school counselor to provide students with emotional and social support.

About the Author

Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.

Featured

  • A.C. Camargo Cancer Center Enhances Security, Patient Care with Help from Advanced Video Surveillance

    A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, a leading oncology treatment center in São Paulo, Brazil recognized for its history of innovation, today announced that its partnership with Axis Communications has produced savings of more than $2 million over its first two years, all of which will be reinvested in patient care. A.C. Camargo has deployed more than 2,000 state-of-the-art video surveillance cameras throughout the Center’s corridors, complex care units, and parking lots, embracing a more holistic approach to security that emphasizes patient and employee safety along with improved quality of service. Read Now

  • 2025 Secure Campus Award Winners Announced

    Campus Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 Secure Campus Award winners. Twenty companies are being recognized this year for products that help keep education and business campuses safe. Read Now

  • K-12 School Safety Trends Report Shows Training, Technology Are Saving Lives

    CENTEGIX, the industry leader and most widely adopted wearable safety technology provider for K-12 education, today released its 2025 School Safety Trends Report, the only comprehensive and data-rich analysis of school safety available in the wearable panic button market. The report identifies and outlines the top tech and legislative movements relevant to school safety in the U.S. and draws on data collected in the 2024/2025 school year through the CENTEGIX Safety Platform, including more than 265,000 incidents of CrisisAlert use. Read Now

  • Survey: Fewer Than 20 Percent of School Leaders Consider Their Main Entrance “Completely Secure”

    Singlewire Software, provider of solutions that help keep people safe and informed, releases the findings of its inaugural School Entrance Security Report, which captured responses from more than 500 school staff members across the United States. This research highlights the concerns and challenges schools are facing in securing their entrances and keeping students and staff safe from potential threats Read Now