After Football Game Shooting, Passaic Tech Boosts Security At Some School Events

WAYNE, NJ — The largest high school in New Jersey said it will strengthen safety measures for major events, in response to a shooting after a football game on Aug. 30.

Two teenagers were injured and another was charged with the juvenile delinquency equivalent of attempted murder in the shooting, which took place following Passaic County Technical Institute's home game against Lenape High School.

A spokesperson said Passaic County Technical-Vocational Schools "conducted a thorough review of its security protocols," and shared several steps that Wayne-based Passaic Tech will take to protect people at large gatherings.

The new protocols were put in place in time for PCTI's home game on Friday against West Orange. These include banning face coverings, enforcing a no-bag policy, closing the ticket gate at halftime to prevent late entries, and prohibiting "loitering or waiting in parking lots during games."

Passaic Tech will also require all tickets to be purchased online, and increase the number of staff, security personnel, and law enforcement officers on-site.

Spokesperson Sandra Woods said the measures "are part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining a secure environment at PCTVS, ensuring that our students, staff, and visitors can feel safe while enjoying all school functions."

"Moving forward, we will be implementing enhanced security measures as deemed necessary," Woods said.

Woods noted that the school, which has more than 3,400 students, "operates on a scale akin to a college campus rather than a traditional high school," and that the district regularly updates its Safety and Security Plan in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies and state education officials.

"PCTVS employs a multi-tiered strategy for safety and security, which, while not eliminating all risks, significantly mitigates the likelihood of adverse events," she said. "The security measures are tailored to the specifics of each event, considering factors such as the nature of the event, location, expected attendance, and other relevant considerations."

Passaic Tech has not said if any of their students were involved in last week's shooting; Lenape High School officials said none of their students or staff were harmed.