5 Cherry Hill Schools Entered Lockout During Police Investigation

CHERRY HILL, NJ — Five Cherry Hill schools instituted security protocols Thursday morning after a "suspicious person" was reported in the area, officials said. But police determined there were no suspicious individuals or safety threats in the schools' vicinity.

Lockouts impacted Cherry Hill High School West, John A. Carusi Middle School and three elementary schools: Clara Barton, Joyce Kilmer and Thomas Paine. The collective lockout was lifted late Thursday morning, and the school day proceeded as normal.

During a lockout, schools secure their exterior doors, suspend outdoor activities and prohibit people from entering or exiting their buildings. But classroom instruction and the change of classes continue as normal.

A lockout is not the same as a lockdown or shelter-in-place procedure. (Learn about the differences below.)

At about 10:30 a.m., police responded to Thomas Paine Elementary School for a report of a suspicious person near school grounds. Nearby schools entered a lockout as the Cherry Hill Police Department deployed patrol officers, detectives and a K-9 in the area.

Through further investigation and examination of surveillance, police determined there wasn't anyone suspicious and there was no threat to area students.

"As always the Cherry Hill Police Department remains vigilant in working with our schools to protect our children and teachers," the police agency said. "Their safety is our top priority."

If You See Suspicious Activity

Cherry Hill police advise the public to immediately report any suspicious activity they see. Call 911 for emergencies. Otherwise, police dispatchers can be reached at 856-665-1200.

Tips can also be submitted online or emailed to tips@cherryhillpolice.com. You can also send tips via text message by texting TIP CHERRYHILLPD followed by your message to 888777.

Differences Between A Lockout, Shelter In Place, And Lockdown

A lockout should not be confused with a lockdown or shelter-in-place protocol. Here's what each process entails, according to Cherry Hill schools:

Lockout

1. All outside activities are suspended.
2. Exterior doors remain secured.
3. No one is permitted to exit or enter the building except for outside activities.
4. Classroom instructions and the change of classes proceed as normal.

Shelter in place

1. All outside activities are suspended.
2. Exterior doors remain secured.
3. No one is permitted to exit or enter the building.
4. School staff remain in their classrooms and office areas.
5. Classroom doors and windows are secured and there is no change of classes.
6. Teachers continue to provide classroom instructions.

Lockdown

1. School staff conducting outside activities relocate to an alternate site off school grounds.
2. Exterior doors remain secured.
3. No one is permitted to exit or enter the building.
4. School staff remain in their classrooms and office areas.
5. Classroom doors and windows are secured and there is no change of classes.
6. Lights are turned off and silence is maintained.
7. Students are relocated, out of sight.
8. Staff take measures to communicate if an emergency exists at their location.