After Mass Shootings, Police Increase Woodbridge Center Patrols

WOODBRIDGE, NJ — In the wake of the two separate mass shootings in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio this past weekend, police stepped up patrols at the Woodbridge Center Mall, Woodbridge police Capt. Scott Kuzma confirmed to Patch.

However, he declined to give any further details, citing public safety.

Also on Sunday afternoon, as the nation was still reeling, the FBI conducted several conference calls with police departments across the nation. In Middlesex County, South Brunswick Police Chief Raymond Hayducka was on one of those calls, said his spokesman. That call included law enforcement representatives from across the nation, and included police representatives from Dayton and El Paso, he said.

"There were probably more than 1,000 law enforcement officers on that call," said South Brunswick Deputy Police Chief James Ryan. "The key to law enforcement is information sharing, and they shared what they knew as of Sunday afternoon. We also discussed tactics, things to look out for and where we should be increasing patrols."

Ryan declined to disclose more, again citing public safety.

"We change what we're doing and monitoring every two days," he said.

The South Brunswick police department is unique in the state for holding active shooter drills, where they teach residents what to do in a mass shooter scenario. They started teaching the drills in February of this year, and so far more than 2,000 people have taken the active shooter class. The class is free and South Brunswick police will also come to your company, house of worship or any other organization to teach a class. Related: South Brunswick Police Teach Active Shooter Preparedness

"By being aware of your surroundings and having a plan, you are already ahead of most people," said South Brunswick police Lt. Gene Rickle, who runs their community policing division. "Doing nothing in an active shooter situation is not an option. The 60 minutes you spend in this program will provide you with an advantage when every second counts."

South Brunswick police have the ambitious goal of getting 5,000 people to take the class.