Police Increase Patrols After Social Media Threat At Long Island High School

PATCHOGUE, NY — Suffolk police have increased patrols near Patchogue-Medford High School in the wake of a social media threat made by a student, a spokesperson said.

The threat was deemed non-credible so the extra patrols are a precaution, according to police.

It was reported at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, and 5th Precinct Crime Section officers are investigating, police said.

The post was flagged by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, prompting a response from police, school district officials said in a letter to the community on Wednesday morning.

Superintendent of Schools Donna Jones said the district was "made aware" of a post made by a student containing "a threat toward the high school," and it was flagged by the FBI, which contacted Suffolk police.

She did not reveal the details of the threat.

"School administration and law enforcement have spoken with the student and their family, and the student is being disciplined in accordance with the Patchogue-Medford School District Code of Conduct," Jones said.

No weapon was found on school grounds, and there was never a need to evacuate, according to Jones.

Jones concluded her letter by saying that "the safety and security of our students, administrators, faculty, and staff is our highest priority."

"We take matters of this nature very seriously and will continue to proceed accordingly to keep our schools safe," she said. "We would like to remind our students and their families that if you see or hear something that is of concern, please report it immediately to the district or law enforcement."