NJ amplifies safety measures after November stabbing at Camden office

Following the stabbing of a caseworker in November, the New Jersey Department of Children and Families has moved to improve the safety of its workers.

The stabbing at a Camden child protection office occurred after the Christie administration pulled police officers to save on overtime costs.

Armed guards with metal detecting wands are now at every child protection office, said Children and Families Commissioner Allison Blake.

Assemblyman Troy Singleton asked Blake if safety in those offices should have been a higher priority.

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“So that there was a more secure feeling for your workforce there, an armed presence, you don’t think that was appropriate to have prior to this incident?” said Singleton, D-Camden.

“There’s litigation now on this matter, and there are some questions that I’ve been advised by counsel that I really can’t discuss,” Blake responded.  

Another change, Blake told the Assembly Budget Committee Wednesday, is that police from the Department of Human Services will accompany her staff when they’re meeting – in the office or in the field — with someone who may pose a risk.

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