NCJ Number
115540
Journal
Police Journal Volume: 61 Issue: 4 Dated: (October-December 1988) Pages: 383-385
Date Published
1988
Length
3 pages
Annotation
New Jersey's law enforcement and education communities have released landmark documents designed to create drug-free environments in all the State's schools.
Abstract
The documents explain State policies regarding drug-related arrests, searches and seizures, and other law enforcement activities, including comprehensive instructions for undercover operations in schools. They detail when and how teachers and other school officials must refer suspected drug crimes to police. The Department of Education guidelines are designed to ensure that educational goals are protected while enhancing the effort to fight drugs on school grounds. The Attorney General and Education Commissioner have called on county prosecutors, police chiefs, and district boards of education to develop and sign 'model agreements' that define the rights and responsibilities of students, parents, school staffs, and police in enforcing drug laws. An action plan followed the enactment of the Comprehensive Drug Reform Act of 1987. A key element of the law creates drug-free school zones within a 1,000-foot radius of every public and private school in the State. Within these zones, illegal drug users and pushers face tougher penalties, including mandatory jail terms for distributors.