Despite earlier political sentiment that school policing was an ineffective use of police resources, the programme has brought about a significant reduction in the number of crimes committed on school campuses, National Security Minister Dr. Bernard Nottage said Monday.

Dr. Nottage, who had just attended a crime forum with high school students, touted the programme’s success while scoffing at its critics.

“We have seen improvement and all that anti-school policing jargon has melted in the air as the schools realise what a help it is to them,” he said.

The school policing programme was reinstated following the Christie administration’s return to office last year.

The programme’s return ignited criticism from the opposition, which claimed it would take police away from patrolling the streets.

There was also concern that the presence of police on school campuses would create tension between school administrators and those officers over who would have disciplinary authority on the campuses.

However, Dr. Nottage said there have been no such problems and he added that administrators have noted how pleased they are with the programme.

“I have no doubt that whatever reduction there is in criminal activity within the schools has a direct correlation with the presence of sensible educated policemen who have been able to advise administrators and security personnel in the schools and who have developed a relationship with the students so that their authority is not questioned,” the national security minister said.”

The minister said further measures will be taken to ensure that schools continue to be safe and secure.