Police Officers Will Immediately Begin Covering Intersections Where There Are No Guards

LARGO, MD – In response to the shortage of School Crossing Guards (SCGs) in the county, the Alsobrooks Administration has implemented a coordinated, comprehensive emergency crossing guard staffing plan, effective immediately. Prince George’s County Police Executive Command staff, along with police officers, will temporarily staff uncovered locations until dedicated crossing guards are hired. In addition, the Police Department’s School Crossing Guard (SCG) unit is launching a robust recruitment campaign, distributing bilingual hiring flyers, utilizing social media, engaging the faith-based community, collaborating with County Council members, partnering with Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS), and promoting the job posting through Employ Prince George’s.

“Ensuring the safety of our children on their way to and from school is non-negotiable,” said Alsobrooks. “Every child deserves a safe journey, free from unnecessary risks. The emergency crossing guard plan is a critical step towards this commitment. It reflects our dedication to providing the necessary resources to protect our children and highlights the collaborative efforts within our community to keep our youngest residents safe on the roads.”

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s School Crossing Guard (SCG) unit is tasked with overseeing 302 crossing guard assignments daily at 151 distinct intersections near 102 schools across the county. The staffing decline since 2016, primarily due to retirements and exacerbated by the pandemic in 2019, led to challenges in maintaining adequate numbers of crossing guards. The emergency plan addresses these challenges head-on, aiming to bolster the SCG program and restore safety measures for the community.

“The emergency school crossing guard plan underscores our proactive approach to addressing the critical shortage,” said Prince George’s County Police Chief, Malik Aziz. “We recognize the importance of a swift response and the dedication of our officers, who will temporarily fill vital roles until a more permanent solution is in place. This plan is a testament to our adaptability and prioritization of the well-being of the students we serve.”

“We extend our sincere gratitude to the Prince George’s County Police Department for their swift and effective response to the critical shortage of school crossing guards,” said Prince George’s County Schools’ Superintendent, Millard House. “The safety of our children is paramount, and the emergency plan devised by the police department is a testament to their dedication and collaboration. We appreciate the ongoing commitment to finding solutions that prioritize the well-being of our children as they travel to and from school.”

Key Highlights of the Emergency Staffing Plan:

1. Police Officers at Uncovered Locations:  As new guards are recruited; they will replace officers at the covered locations.
2. Recruitment Efforts: The department has undertaken a robust recruitment campaign, distributing bilingual hiring flyers, utilizing social media, engaging the faith-based community, collaborating with County Council members, partnering with PGCPS, and promoting the job posting through Employ Prince George’s.
3. Enhanced Incentives: To attract more candidates, the starting pay for SCGs has been increased from $12.77 to over $17.00/hour. Additionally, efforts to streamline the hiring process include tripling interview times and considering a reduction in the age requirement from 21 to 18.

The Prince George’s County Police Department urges community members to support these measures and encourages interested individuals to apply for the crucial role of School Crossing Guards. The safety and well-being of our students remain our top priority.

Learn more about applying to become a school crossing guard.

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