There was heightened security at Smithtown High School West Friday...

There was heightened security at Smithtown High School West Friday morning after a threat was discovered on a bathroom wall the day before. (March 9, 2012) Credit: James Carbone

One day after school officials said a threat of gun violence was discovered scrawled on a bathroom wall, students were being allowed to return to Smithtown High School West on Friday morning, but only after passing through screening and security measures that include checking backpacks.

Suffolk County police confirmed that officers from the Fourth Precinct Crime Unit are on the scene at the school and will maintain a presence throughout the school day. Police said no weapons were discovered during a search of the school building, which was placed into immediate "lockdown mode" after the threat was discovered Thursday.

School Principal John Coady was not immediately available for comment Friday morning. A school receptionist said he and the assistant principals were busy addressing the added security measures as the school prepared to open for classes at 7:20 a.m.

On Thursday, Smithtown schools Superintendent Edward Ehmann told Newsday that Suffolk police were notified, and the school was searched, shortly after the discovery of the graffiti in a girls bathroom. According to the message, the shooting would happen sometime Friday, Ehmann said.

He said the school would put sweeping security measures into effect, including searches of students' backpacks as they arrive on campus.

"If we're going to make a mistake, we're going to make a mistake on the side of caution," Ehmann said.

Ehmann said the school would be searched again Friday morning.

Smithtown High School West has an enrollment of about 1,700 students, and about 300 teachers and other employees work there.

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