Community Corner

No Threat In South Brunswick, PD Aware Of TikTok 'Challenge'

Police have increased patrol at schools in light of recent events across New Jersey and have been in contact with state, county officials.

(Renee Schiavone/Patch)

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — South Brunswick police are remaining vigilant after a disturbing new nationwide TikTok "challenge." This new trend encourages violence this Friday at schools around the country, but they did not name any specific targets.

“We have been actively working with the South Brunswick School District on a daily basis to address different issues and concerns over the past few weeks,” said Deputy Chief of Police James Ryan.

“Lieutenant Tara Jairdullo appeared at the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday to outline ongoing efforts. We have been in constant contact with County and State officials about different school safety issues.”

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In a letter to the school community Superintendent, Scott Feder said the school district did not want to add "any credibility to these generic threats and rumors."

"I must stress that we have absolutely no evidence of any kind relating to the South Brunswick School District, but it is important that we continue to work together to ensure the safety of our students and staff. As a precaution, we are working with the South Brunswick Police Department, as they are aware of these generic nationwide threats and will provide support as necessary," Feder said.

Find out what's happening in South Brunswickfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The Superintendent asked parents to talk to their children and underscore the importance of reporting any concerns relating to school safety

Meanwhile, during the Board meeting on Tuesday, Lt. Jairdullo said the police department has increased patrol over the past few weeks. “It is imperative now more than ever that we establish relationships and encourage open lines of communication, between students, staff, parents, and the police,” Jairdullo said.

In the past two weeks, schools in New Jersey reported 11 threats and two incidents of students bringing guns to school in Somerset, Hudson, Ocean, Glouster, and Mercer counties. On Dec. 2 a student from Crossroads South Middle School was charged for bringing a hand-held taser into school.

Read More Here: TikTok December 17 Challenge Has Police, Schools On High Alert

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