PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — Prince George’s County is launching an emergency school crossing guard staffing plan effective immediately.
The Alsobrooks Administration has implemented a coordinated, comprehensive emergency crossing guard staffing plan in response to the shortage of School Crossing Guards throughout the county.
Police Executive Command staff and police officers will be stationed at uncovered locations until dedicated crossing guards are hired. During this time, the Police Department’s School Crossing Guard unit will be launching a recruiting campaign simultaneously.
The unit will distribute bilingual flyers, create social media campaigns advertising recruitment, reach out to faith-based communities, partner with the county’s public schools, and promote jobs through Employ Prince George’s.
“Ensuring the safety of our children on their way to and from school is non-negotiable,” said County Executive Angela 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.”
There are 302 crossing guard assignments at 151 intersections near 102 schools across the county. Staffing began to decline in 2016 largely due to retirements, and by 2020 the pandemic had made it challenging to maintain an adequate number of crossing guards on staff.
Some key highlights of the emergency staffing plan:
- Police Officers at Uncovered Locations: As new guards are recruited; they will replace officers at the covered locations.
- 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.
- 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.
“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.”
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