Creepy Clowns In North Caldwell Schools? Nope, Says Police Chief

NORTH CALDWELL, NJ — Yes, North Caldwell police are aware of the “creepy clown” sightings sweeping North Jersey. And no, there haven’t been any specific threats to any local schools, authorities say.

North Caldwell Police Chief MarkDeuer issued a statement to parents in the local public school district on Oct. 6, briefing them on the fear fad that has resulted in several police investigations and multiple charges being filed in several states.

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“I know that many of you are aware of the current ‘Creepy Clown’ sightings that have occurred across the nation due to the social media craze,” Deuer wrote. “This has caused a lot of rumors and fears regarding the possibility of creepy clowns coming to our local schools. Please know that the North Caldwell Police Department is fully aware of this and is monitoring the situation very closely. Also, and more importantly, please know that we have not received any specific threats to any of our schools.”

Deuer stated:

“The North Caldwell Police will continue to take reports seriously, and we will investigate all rumors, as they arise. At the same time, please be assured that we have excellent security measures in place and we work very closely with the Board of Education to ensure the safety of our students all year long.”

The chief continued:

“There have been rumors that the police are in the schools due to this clown craze. It is our policy that the police visit each and every school in our district every day. Additionally, the police when available are at every school for arrival and dismissal ever since 2012. Our presence at the school allows us to get to know the students and staff and enables us to continue to improve our safety plans.”

Deuer asked local parents and guardians to help police address the creepy clown scares in the following ways:

• Report all possible clown rumors to the police department to ensure we can quickly investigate and dispel the rumors
• Help diffuse the situation by telling your children not to forward the rumors through social media
• Refrain from allowing students from wearing "creepy clown" costumes on Halloween to ensure a safe, fun environment for children to enjoy trick or treating
• For older children, educate them that using a costume to instill fear in others could potentially lead to criminal charges for creating false public alarm which is a third degree crime

Photo: Flickr Commons