More Police In Wayne Schools After Texas Mass Shooting

WAYNE, NJ — In the wake of Tuesday's mass shooting at a Texas elementary school, Wayne Public Schools will have a greater police presence for the rest of the school year.

New Jersey law enforcement increased their presence at schools throughout the state Wednesday — a day after a gunman killed 19 children and two teachers at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.

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Despite the decision to increase police presence, Superintendent Dr. Mark Toback told the district community that Wayne's schools are "very secure."

"While we will maintain an increased police presence for the remainder of the school year, it is reassuring for all members of the school community that we have been investing heavily in school safety and security projects over a number of years," Toback wrote Wednesday in a letter. "In addition, the school district employs many retired and active police officers supervised by the Wayne Police Department, who work in our schools every day.

"Our school district regularly conducts training and drills designed to keep our schools safe and secure. The District also committed to increasing counseling services for students and families in need."

Toback announced May 2 that the district would adopt the tip line, with a launch targeted for the end of May. Read Toback's full letter here.

New Jersey Acting Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin directed State Police and all 21 county prosecutors to increase patrols at schools throughout the state. County prosecutors will also direct local police departments to increase police presence at schools in their jurisdictions, Platkin said Tuesday evening.