'We Are There': Strong Police Presence At South Brunswick Schools

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — Strong police presence was seen across township schools as students, teachers and staff made their way to classrooms Wednesday morning.

Tuesday evening, South Brunswick police announced they were enhancing their presence across all township schools after a gunman killed at least 19 students and 2 adults at a Texas elementary school on Tuesday.

"As 10,000 students head to class in South Brunswick this morning, we are there. The safety of our children is our top priority," the police department said.

In the aftermath of the Texas tragedy, South Brunswick Township Police Chief Raymond J. Hayducka jumped into action by announcing the police department was increasing its presence at schools out of an abundance of caution.

"The security of our schools and the safety of our young people is our highest priority. Although we have no reason to believe that there is any threat to our township, out of an abundance of caution, we will be increasing police presence in each of our schools," Hayducka said.

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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