Swatting Call Prompts 'Secure In Place' At Greenwich School: Police

GREENWICH, CT — A swatting call involving Central Middle School occurred Tuesday morning, prompting students and staff to "secure in place" out of an abundance of caution, according to Greenwich police.

At this time, police said the call is not believed to be credible, and there is no known threat to the school community or the public.

"The safety and security of our students, staff, and community remains our highest priority. All students and staff are safe at this time," police said.

Officers who were assigned to school patrol were already on site and responded immediately, police said.

As an added precaution, officers will remain at the school for the remainder of Tuesday and will conduct additional security checks at other schools in Greenwich.

The Department of Homeland Security defines swatting as "a malicious act that can involve placing false emergency calls to emergency responders, often reporting a (false) severe, ongoing crisis at a specific location. The goal of swatting is to provoke a significant law enforcement response, creating chaos and potentially resulting in violence."

Superintendent of Greenwich Public Schools Dr. Toni Jones sent email communications to families on Tuesday morning, alerting them of the situation.

Jones said the school will remain in "secure building" status with no unscheduled visitors allowed for the remainder of the day.

After-school activities will continue as scheduled, but with additional police presence, according to Jones.

"Everyone at Central Middle School remains safe and we thank the Greenwich Police Department for all they do to keep us safe," Jones wrote.

An investigation remains ongoing, police said.