The five crossing guards worked three hours per day, mostly within one residential community.
HOWELL - Police Chief Andrew Kudrick has recommended the elimination of the township's five school crossing guards due to economic and efficiency issues.
In a letter to residents, Kudrick explained that since he became chief last July the police department had undergone a reorganization study in which all positions and processes within the police department were reviewed to determine their effectiveness and efficiency.
As a result, several changes - including the recommendation to eliminate the five part-time crossing guard positions - were made, he said.
Four of the crossing guard positions were created in the early 1980's for the construction of the Candlewood development, which Kudrick said was the township's only large-scale development at that time, and they were stationed to the areas around around Taunton and Newbury schools three hours a day. A fifth crossing guard was stationed at the high school a few years ago to assist with bus traffic, but did not assist with student pedestrians, he said.
When the students were absent, police officers were assigned to cover the posts.
"This proved to be an ineffective and expensive use of our officers as they continually reported the lack of student traffic," Kudrick said in the letter. "This took an officer away from his patrol duties within that sector for a considerable amount of time."
Kudrick said the crossing guards did a fantastic job and without a doubt provided a service to our students.
"However, with the implementation of 100-percent courtesy busing, the need to have someone posted at a limited amount of intersections with barely any pedestrians is no longer needed," he said. "The very limited amount of walking students did not justify for a crossing guard or an officer to be present. The justification to maintain these positions would be the equivalent of placing a crossing guard or officer at every "major" intersection in every other development throughout the township. That is just not economically feasible, practical, or necessary."
Township Manager Jeffery Mayfield has agreed to the elimination of the positions, Kudrick said, although they understand the decision will have consequences.
The elimination of the crossing guard positions will save the township approximately $32,000 annually, The Asbury Park Press reported.
"Residents will be upset, others will criticize it, some will understand and support it," Kudrick said. "In the end, I hope you understand every decision made within this police department is made with the highest regard to the safety of our residents and officers regardless whether or not it is popular."
Rob Spahr may be reached at rspahr@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TheRobSpahr. Find NJ.com on Facebook.