For several years, concerns about overall school safety around the country have escalated. Although no violent crimes have occurred at UACHS, many parents, students, and staff members worry about the safety of our school environment.
One of the biggest concerns at UACHS is the possibility of violence with a deadly weapon.
According to Patch.Com, “ in comparing the years 2018-19 vs. 2021-22, NJ schools had nearly a 50 percent increase in weapon incidents in school.”
This impacted a lot of schools and communities in New Jersey including Jersey City.
According to NJ.com, “In May 2023 in Jersey City a 14-year-old boy was arrested after walking through a metal detector with a knife at Ferris High School.” No injuries were reported, but this sparked concerns among parents, staff, and the community about student safety and the presence of weapons in schools.
While school violence has gained a lot of attention nationwide, UACHS has taken steps to ensure overall safety by hiring additional security to monitor the school.
Lorenzo Tosado, head of security at UACHS, wants to make the school safer in all areas.
“In the last month we had about five drills and they were all executed properly,” said Tosado. “With all of the guards, we also have clearer halls, a faster response time to teachers’ situations in the rooms, and are actively securing a safer environment for all.”
In addition to this, better security cameras have also been installed in order to help administrators identify and address potential safety concerns before they escalate.
“Last year the school only had hall monitors and after talking to the admin, this is an easier way to keep an eye on the students,” said Tosado. “Guards are already there to keep eyes on the situations happening.”
With the increase in security and more of a focus on overall safety, the number of incidents has decreased and the feeling around the hallways is more serene.
