Scarsdale Police Continue To Monitor Schools

The Scarsdale Police Department and the Scarsdale School District are continuing to ensure student safety in the wake of the Newtown

On Friday, Scarsdale Police Department Det. Lt. Thomas Altizio told Patch that the SPD had increased patrols around the schools, despite not having any specific safety concerns. "The tragic incident in Connecticut appears to be an isolated event, and there is no reason to believe it poses any increased risk to our area," he had said.

Also on Friday, Superintendent of Scarsdale Public Schools Dr. Michael McGill released a statement to the school community, reassuring parents and staff that there was no reason to believe Scarsdale schools are in any danger.

"We have absolutely no reason to make a connection between what's just occurred in Newtown and reality here in Scarsdale," McGill had stated. "Nonetheless, I've asked our principals to take particular care in enforcing existing safety precautions and to review building safety procedures with their staffs.  Also, as appropriate to children's age, staff will do their best to provide reassurance, a sense of stability, and opportunities to come to terms with events that defy understanding."

On Monday December 17, the SPD's Command Staff met with McGill, school principals and staff to follow up on discussions.

SPD emphasized in a statement Monday night that "there is no known connection or any known threat to the Scarsdale School District," however, the school district is reviewing safety plans, protocols and "lockdown and lockout procedures."

SPD is continuing its "periodic patrols of all school grounds to enhance law enforcement visibility and presence, and police officers will continue the random walk-through visitation programs established in certain schools," Altizio said in his statement. "The police department and the school administration also discussed the expansion of the visitation program to include all schools in the district."

Scarsdale Police are asking residents to be vigilant and to report "any suspicious individuals and/or activity by dialing 911."

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