East Brunswick PD Ramp Up Security At Schools After Texas Tragedy

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — The East Brunswick Police Department has ramped up security at local schools in wake of Tuesday's shooting at an elementary school in Texas.

A gunman opened fire at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, killing at least 19 students and two teachers.

The increased police presence comes out of an abundance of caution.

Anyone observing suspicious activity is encouraged to call the police via the non-emergency number at 732-390-6900 or call 911 if the situation requires an emergency response.

Superintendent of East Brunswick Public Schools, Victor Valeski, assured parents and guardians of student safety at district schools and called for a collaborative effort in ongoing safety measures.

Valeski sent out a communication to parents and guardians Tuesday evening.

"My heart is heavy tonight with the senseless loss and I immediately felt compelled to reach out to all of you. We have spent years building our armed school security team, all who are retired law enforcement personnel and some with specialized training. They are augmented by physical barriers as you enter each school, video surveillance and security software,” Valeski said.

“Our security goes beyond the personnel and hardware - it’s about the relationships our School Security Officers have with their students.”

Valeski noted that schools have an extra layer of protection through the community. “If you see something, please say something,” he said.

He thanked the community for supporting the district's security efforts and complying with their ongoing safety measures.

Across New Jersey, law enforcement officials have ramped up their presence outside township schools, in the aftermath of the tragedy in Texas.

Acting Attorney General Matthew Platkin said Tuesday that New Jersey State Police will ramp up their presence at the Garden State schools where troopers are the primary law enforcement.

All 21 New Jersey county prosecutors have also been instructed to increase local police presence at schools in their jurisdictions.

"Our students, their families and caregivers, teachers, and school administrators should feel safe in school, and be assured that New Jersey's law enforcement agencies will do everything in their power to protect them," Platkin said in a statement.

Gov. Phil Murphy tweeted Tuesday night that the measure comes despite "no credible threats" in New Jersey.

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