Threat At Westfield High School Prompts Increased Police Presence

WESTFIELD, NJ — Westfield High School saw an increased police presence Friday morning as the Police investigated a potential threat, according to Superintendent of Schools Dr. Raymond Gonzalez.

"We want to make you aware of an increased police presence at Westfield High School this morning as the Westfield Police Department investigates a report of a potential threat," Gonzalez wrote in the notice addressed to the Westfield High School community.

Westfield Police Chief Christopher Battiloro told Patch that the department got a report of a threat directed towards Westfield High School late Thursday night.

"While the threat was not specific as to when it would occur, the Westfield Police Department initiated an immediate investigation to identify its source and to determine its credibility," said Battiloro.

Working overnight, investigating officers and detectives identified the apparent source of the threat.

"It is not a current or former student, nor a resident of Westfield," said Battiloro.

Ultimately, the threat has been deemed not to be credible.

The district said it was working with law enforcement while the situation was being assessed.

Despite the investigation and police presence, the school day was continuing without changes, according to the superintendent’s message.

"School operations are continuing as normal," Gonzalez wrote.

The Westfield Police Department has increased its presence in and around the school on Friday and will continue to do so in the coming days as a measure of reassurance.

"The Westfield Police Department takes all threats directed towards our schools seriously and it will continue its investigation of this matter to determine if any further law enforcement action is warranted," said Battiloro.

Gonzalez said student and staff safety remained the district’s top concern.

"The safety and security of our students and staff remain our highest priority," he wrote.

For now, the district said it would continue watching the situation and update the school community if circumstances changed.

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