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A workforce shortage forced the department to pull its resource officers and discontinue Drug Abuse Resistance Education.
But the June hiring of four new police officers and the recent promotion of four others to detective made it possible for Detective James Teehan to revive the department’s presence, Chief Kenneth Ehrenberg said.
In his new role, Teehan serves as the security liaison officer to five elementary schools, two middle schools and Paramus High School. He works “side by side with the Paramus School system’s existing security officers, who include several retired former Paramus Police Department SROs and DARE Officers,” Teehan said.
He also investigates and manages police cases and student-related incidents.
At the same time, Teehan is teaching “Too Good for Drugs,” a DARE-sponsored program, to 5th grade student at East Brook and West Brook Middle Schools (photo, above).
The DARE program consists of a 12-week curriculum covering topics such as goal setting and achievement, decision making , identifying and managing emotions, effective communication, bonding and relationships, and the effects of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs.
Ehrenberg said he hopes his department will be able to expand its presence in borough schools going forward.
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