Police Posted at Cranston Schools after Anonymous Threats

Police officers will be posted at all Cranston elementary schools for the remainder of the week in response to an anonymous letter sent to police that threatened to hurt elementary school children.

The Johnston Police Department got the letter today “in which a physical threat was made” to students in Johnston, Cranston and Warwick, said Richard Tamborini, Johnston’s police chief.

In response, police departments will have officers posted to the schools during the school day. In Cranston, police said police will be posted at all schools -- both public and private.

“The investigation as to who sent the letter is ongoing and the Cranston Police Department is working in close conjunction with the Cranston Public Schools to ensure a safe learning environment for all students within the City of Cranston,” the department said in a release.

Superintendent Judith Lundsten said that in addition to the police presence, recess will be cancelled, students will not wait outside before classes begin in the morning and everyone will be paying extra-close attention.

Our main concern is the ongoing safety of our staff and students, and that all of our safety procedures are being followed and we’re going to take every precaution we can think of,” Lundsten told the Providence Journal.

Police did not release any other information about the letter or the threats.