This New Jersey Town is Stepping up School Security in Light of Recent Threats

LINDEN, NJ — As the 2024-25 school year begins, Linden public schools are taking a layered security approach to address an increase in gun violence and online threats. 

The Linden Board of Education has put proactive measures in place to address potential threats and ensure a secure learning environment for the district, including partnerships with the Linden Police and Fire Department. 

Recent threats of gun violence in New Jersey have alarmed parents, teachers, and students. Linden has responded by enforcing various actions “including enhancing the camera systems, improving access control, and introducing new visitor management protocols,” according to Michael Wattkis, Public Information Officer for Linden Public Schools. 

In October, National Bullying Awareness Month, the district is introducing the “Stop It” app. “This app allows students, parents, and staff to anonymously report concerns related to bullying, mental health crises, or potential violent threats,” Wattkis said.

On Sept. 9, several schools statewide were closed after receiving social media threats of school shootings. The NJ threats led to the arrest of four juveniles, with the investigation ongoing. The threats came days after a 14-year-old student shot and killed four people at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia. As of Sept. 6, there have been 46 school shootings in the U.S. for the year of 2024, according to CNN. California, Ohio, Texas, and Maryland had the highest cases of school shootings in 2023. According to US News, “From 2018 to 2023, 14 people were wounded or killed across 18 school shooting incidents, a rate of 1.5 per million people” with a total of 32 school shooting incidents since 1970. 

“Our threat assessment teams, trained in the U.S. Secret Service model, will continue working to identify concerning behaviors early and intervene before they escalate” Wattkis added. The district will also introduce weapons detection systems at high-profile events. Security Director, Keith Aslin, who works closely with the Linden Police Department will review current safety measures and discuss improvements with the Board of Education on Sept. 26. Detailed information will be released to the community as Linden engages with parents and stakeholders.

Linden is focused on “prevention through early intervention, enhanced training, and continuous collaboration with community partners” said Wattkis. The district reiterates that “the safety of our students, staff, and community is always our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of security to protect everyone,” Wattkis emphasized.