A private consultant company hired by the Department of Education has released a report on a Franklin High School melee that resulted in 12 arrests, five injured officers and one injured student.
A fight broke out on Oct. 23 shortly after a Franklin student tried to re-enter a school dance. In accordance with school policy, the police officer at the door did not let the student enter. The teen then pushed the officer sparking a melee. Backup units were called and officers used pepper spray to subdue the crowd, reports MyCentralJersey.com. Among those arrested were parents.
In a report released by Rush Educational Consultant Services, 17 recommendations were made to prevent a repeat situation.
The report calls for more in-depth planning and coordination for events, including emergency procedures, establishment of a clear line of authority for school events, and having school staff members at all entrances and exits instead of police officers. The report also suggested the school place re-entry policy signs at the door, and have the district work with the police department to work with officers trained in working with school-aged individuals, reports MyCentralJersey.com.
Additionally, the report called for floodlight installations in the back parking lot, cameras in the school’s halls, and a way to improve cell phone reception inside the building.
In conclusion, the 16-page report stated that no one action, reaction, plan or execution of a plan could have guaranteed the prevention of the incident.
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