Crime & Safety

'No Threat' To Southern Regional Schools After Document Posted On Social Media: Police

A legal document shared on social media showed potential safety concerns, but Stafford police say there's no threat to the district.

STAFFORD, NJ — Police say there's no threat to the Southern Regional School District after a legal document was spread on social media that indicated a student was thinking about harming the school district.

Stafford police shared a press release to inform the public that they had thoroughly investigated the matter and that "there is no current threat to the Southern Regional School District."

On Sept. 16, someone reported their concern about a juvenile student and potential safety risks to the school district, police said. High school administration took immediate action and led to the evaluation of the student, police said.

Find out what's happening in Barnegat-Manahawkinfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

"This evaluation indicated concerns about the student's behavior and potential risks to the school," police said.

That student was then taken for additional screening and the police department also filed for and was granted a Temporary Extreme Risk Protective Order (TERPO).

Find out what's happening in Barnegat-Manahawkinfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The student's house was searched and no firearms were registered to the home, nor were any weapons found, police said.

"The student has been removed from the Southern Regional School District, and steps are being taken to ensure ongoing safety and monitoring," police said.

"While there is no immediate threat to the school or surrounding community, the Stafford Township Police Department will implement enhanced security measures in and around the schools over the coming days," police said. "These precautionary steps are being taken to provide reassurance and peace of mind to parents, students, educators, and staff. The department is committed to ensuring a safe and secure learning environment, and any updates regarding the situation will be communicated via our official social media platforms."

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.