The Director's Desk is printed on a regular basis to provide the latest information, accomplishments and concerns to the citizens and visitors to Plumsted Township. As you may know, Plumsted Township filled a School Resource Officer (SRO) position in December of 2002.

       The SRO is the responsible officer for School issues and concerns. Included in the SRO duties is the mandate to insure safety in the schools and the immediate surrounding areas. The school system recently sent an advisory letter home to parents concerning Parking. Schools are places where violations of motor vehicle laws can become tragic if not controlled.

       One of our concerns relates to parking in "Fire Lanes," "No Parking" and "No Stopping or Standing" areas. Any stopping or leaving a vehicle unattended for any length of time in these zones is a violation of New Jersey Traffic law 39:4-138. The established "No Parking" areas are there for a reason. Fire Lanes are needed to provide emergency access for the New Egypt Fire Co., First Aid, and Police response.

       Other no parking areas, such as those across from the Elementary School, are designed to prevent accidents, traffic congestion and the prevent children from being tempted to cross improperly. Surprisingly enough, we have seen some parents not only violate the law, but actually encourage unsafe behavior in their children.

       We must set the example. Don't park in fire zones and no parking zones, don't allow your children to cross in the middle of the street, don't speed or drive carelessly in the School Zones, "Buckle Up," and set the example. The SRO and members of the Plumsted Police Department encourage voluntary compliance while being fully prepared to summon violators to court if needed. Please keep our children safe, save a trip to court, and set the right example. In an emergency the children will be glad you did.