Israel-Hamas War: South Brunswick PD To Monitor Houses Of Worship, Schools

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — In light of “calls for action” on social media on Friday due to the Israel-Hamas War, the South Brunswick Police Department will be bolstering patrols around religious establishments and schools.

In Israel, more than 2,800 people have been wounded and at least 1,200 people – including civilians and children – have been killed by Hamas forces as of Thursday afternoon, reports say.

Meanwhile, Palestinian authorities say at least 1,500 people have been killed in Gaza and another 6,000 have been wounded including civilians and children.

South Brunswick Police Chief Raymond Hayducka sent out a message t the community assuring them of their safety and outlining the police department’s plan.

“We have been coordinating with the FBI, New Jersey State Police, Middlesex County Prosecutors Office, Middlesex County Office of Emergency Management, and other local law enforcement on real-time intelligence on a daily basis. The situation in Israel and the Gaza Strip continues to evolve and sharing information about local impacts will be key in the days and weeks ahead,” Hayducka said.

“We are aware of different social media posts about calls to action. We will continue to coordinate with our federal and State partners to verify any information and if it has a local impact we will take the appropriate action.”

The police chief has directed Lt. Gene Rickle and Lt. John Penney to expand community outreach efforts to all our houses of worship.

“These efforts will help answer any specific questions or issues our local faith community may have. We can also provide security assessments and assist with safety procedures,” Hayducka said.

Houses of worship can reach out to Lt. Rickle at ERickle@sbpdnj.net, and Lt. Penney at JPenney@sbpdnj.net with specific questions.

The Police Chief has also directed his department to increase vigilance across township schools on Friday morning.

“I have directed Lieutenant Tara Jairdullo, the supervisor of our SRO program, to increase officers' visibility at public and private educational facilities. In addition, we will continue to provide updates to school leaders on any new intelligence or information that may impact our schools,” Hayducka said.

Lt. Jairdullo can be reached at Tjairdullo@sbpdnj.net.

“As we continue to work through the changing situation, I ask that community members keep open communication with our department on any concerns or issues they have,” Hayducka said.

“Please do not hesitate to reach out to any of our lieutenants or myself if you need assistance.”

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