UPDATED: Increased Police Presence Planned at Plainfield Schools

Updated at 3:21 p.m. Dec. 14:

Parents can expect to see an increased police presence at Plainfield School District campuses as school lets out over the next week, according to district officials.

In light of reported threats in Oswego School District 308 and the school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, District 202 Community Relations Director Tom Hernandez said there will be additional officers on hand following dismissal.

“Beyond that, we’re not issuing a statement at this time,” Hernandez said. “Right now, we’re conducting business as usual.”

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Though officials do not feel there is a reason for additional concern, Hernandez emphasized that District 202 has worked extensively with the Plainfield and Joliet police departments to develop security plans for each campus, including conducting unannounced drills at local schools.

Buildings are kept locked at all times, he added, and visitors to the campuses are screened.

“We try to be vigilant with people coming into the buildings,” Hernandez said.

According to Oswego School District officials, rumors of reported threats at District 308 campuses Thursday were not perceived as credible.

Plainfield Police Chief John Konopek said additional police presence will be in place at the end of the school day Friday through the start of winter break, which kicks off Dec. 24.

"We're are going to have a little bit more visible presence between now and when school gets out for Christmas vacation," Konopek said.

"Specifically next Friday," he added, referring to Dec. 21, the rumored end of the world, according to the Mayan calendar, and the winter solstice. On Thursday, Oswego school district responded to rumors of threatened violence coinciding with the date.

"Some people are not thinking with straight heads in our country," Konopek said of the events in Connecticut, and police are taking precautions against the possibility that someone may use that date as an excuse to lash out.

But Konopek stressed there have been no reports of threats in Plainfield or District 202.

"We have no threats here in Plainfield school district," he said. "I just think [the increased presence] is the right thing to do in light of current events."

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