Suffolk Police Step Up School Area Patrols in Light of CT Tragedy

Suffolk County Police are stepping up patrols around schools, using both marked and unmarked vehicles, as a proactive measure in light of the elementary school massacre last Friday in Connecticut.

“We are increasing patrols for the near future and we are aware of the concerns of parents, teachers, and students in light of that tragedy. There is no specific threat to any area,” Deputy Inspector Kevin Fallon told Patch in a phone interview Tuesday.

“This is a proactive precaution and reasonable action,” he said, noting that police officers have continually undertaken extensive training regarding active shooter scenarios.

The SCPD, Fallon said, has paid constant attention to potential school district violence long before Friday’s murderous rampage that took the lives of 20 elementary students and six staff members at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown.

Many, if not all, Suffolk County school district officials are reviewing and assessing current security measures and policies in light of the tragic event.

“We continually keep the lines of communication open with the schools. What happened [Friday] was a very very rare occurrence, fortunately, and we advise community residents not to lose perspective,” Fallon said, adding the SCPD is well aware of the various security measures in place at school districts.

“Schools are still the safest place children can be,” he said.