Security Alert/Clown Concerns
Our district is always mindful of the safety and security of our staff, students and community members. Recently, it has come to our attention that there has been a sudden flurry of texts and e-mails on individuals' personal accounts and through the use of social media. These messages include clown images that appear to be threatening in nature. We have received the following guidance from law enforcement and we are sharing it with you as a public service:
Dear NJ Educators and School Safety Professionals,
In the past several weeks, there has been an uptick in online threats involving clown images in New Jersey and around the country, made mostly through social media. Some students may be receiving text messages involving these images. The New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (NJOHSP) urges you to report these directly to your local police.
However, if the incident or posting involves trespassing, a bomb threat, a threat of violence, or a possible nexus to terrorism, it should also be reported to NJOHSPthrough its 24-7 Counterterrorism Watch at 1-866-4SAFE-NJ, tips@njohsp.gov, or via the SAFE-NJ mobile app, which is available for iOS, Android, and Windows platforms.
We appreciate your assistance.
Counterterrorism Watch at the NJ ROIC
New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness
1-866-4SAFENJ | Fax: 609-530-3650
njohsp.gov | @njohsp
Jeffrey Gold | Outreach Team Lead
New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness
609.584.4054
As always, we appreciate that we all work together as a larger school community to move our children forward in their educational endeavors.
Sincerely,
Dr. Maryrose Caulfield
Superintendent