Howell School Security Beefed Up On Parkland Shooting Anniversary

HOWELL, NJ — As families in Parkland, Florida, mark the first anniversary of a mass shooting that killed 17 students and staff members at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Howell authorities are taking extra steps to ensure safety at the schools on Thursday.

Howell Township Police Chief Andrew J. Kudrick Jr. said the department has an additional 30 police officers working at the township's schools. There are both plainclothes and uniformed officers.

The officers are in addition to those already assigned to the schools on a daily basis, Kudrick said.

The Valentine's Day shooting at the Florida high school in 2018 led school districts and law enforcement across the country to look at the security in schools, from access to buildings to protocols for emergencies to the actions and reactions of first responders.

Kudrick posted an emotional message the night of the Parkland shooting, in part urging people — adults and children — to speak up when they see something that's not right.

"In most (shooting) cases, there were warning signs. Social media seems to be the most apparent. Please, talk to your children. We all have that 'sixth sense.' If you see something, say something!!!" he wrote. "Instead of having that 'it won't happen here' mindset, start thinking 'it can happen here!' Don't be ignorant!" Read more: Read Howell Chief's Emotional Remarks On Florida School Shooting

In the weeks that followed, the police department worked with the schools to increase security both through visible, obvious measures and through ones that were not shared with the public. A private meeting also was held with parents to explain security measures and answer questions.

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Photo by Howell Township Police