Police brutality has been a deep rooted issue that has penetrated every aspect of our communities, including the way we learn. Schools are supposed to be a safe heaven where educational development is encouraged and not a place where students have to wonder whether or not police personnel will use excessive force.  

Police officers are not trained to deescalate altercations between children. They have no training regarding psychiatric disorders such as behavioral and attention difficulties, mood disorders, or developmental and learning disabilities. In addition, unpleasant police interactions cause unnecessary stress that can later became physical ailments such as hypertension, diabetes, and sleep deprivation. 

The solution? Specialists that are trained to intervene during a crisis or "a state of emotional turmoil." When the usual coping mechanisms fail, these specialist step in to deescalate the situation and provide one-on-one support.

I urge the Neptune Township Board of Education to end their contract with the Neptune Township Police Department and reallocate those funds in the creation of a crisis intervention team.