Schools

Branford High School Investigation Not a Police Matter

Branford Police confirm that no arrests have been made regarding drugs at the high school.

Branford Police Captain Geoffrey Morgan confirmed tonight that Branford Schools Superintendent Hamlet Hernandez was working with Branford Police Youth Officer Detective Ronald Washington between Friday and Monday regarding issues at Branford High School. Information brought to police was then brought to New Haven Juvenile Court to determine if a crime had been committed according to Morgan.

“No probable cause existed,” stated Morgan, “for any one student to be referred to juvenile court or arrested as an adult.”

At this point in time, the investigation of what Hernandez stated as “prohibited conduct” , is not a police matter.

Find out what's happening in Branfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Morgan said, to the best of his knowledge, one to two students were involved, but he quickly squashed rumors that 18 students were being investigated by police. Hernandez’s press release states, “numerous students who attend Branford High School were involved in prohibited conduct.” The type of prohibited conduct was not released.

Students are out on February break this week and will not return to school until Monday, Feb. 28. As far as procedure going forward, Hernandez’s press release notes, “Branford Public Schools will follow their published policies to determine the District’s response to this unfortunate incident… Any student involved in prohibited conduct will be addressed immediately by the school’s administrative team and the District’s administration.”

Find out what's happening in Branfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

You can find the school’s online policy manual here. The student policy for drugs, alcohol and tobacco states, “The Branford Board of Education is committed to maintaining the safety and health of all students within the school system. To that end the Board prohibits, on school property or at school sponsored events, the use of illegal drugs, alcohol, tobacco and substances which induce a stimulant, depressant or hallucinogenic effect upon the student.” The policy states that “school administrators shall, within the confines of the law, consult with any or all of the following, whichever is deemed appropriate: school staff, (e.g., Student Model Assistance Team), medical personnel, parents, law enforcement personnel or outside agencies.”

Morgan states that nothing could be substantiated therefore no arrests have been made. “People and parents have chosen to rely on social media for accurate information,” said Morgan adding, “unfortunately, we don’t make arrests based on suspicion and speculation.”

Morgan said, “The Superintendent’s Office has taken appropriate measures to ensure there’s not criminal activity in the school.”

"Unless some other issue arises and changes the scope of investigation," Morgan said the Police will not be involved with any internal school investigation.

Closing he stated, “We want our schools to be safe; we don’t tolerate that kind of behavior.”

The issue of drug use comes just before an important meeting of the on March 1. A will be held to discuss underage drinking. Concerned parents are urged to attend.

If you are wondering how to speak to children regarding drugs or alcohol, you can join this week's about the subject.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here