Superintendent: 'Our Security Guards Acted Appropriately'

Despite charges made by a Smithtown West High School student that Riverhead security did nothing to stop verbal heckling at a recent basketball game, Riverhead School Superintendent Nancy Carney said Wednesday that she believed security guards acted "appropriately."

Carney said a student came forward at Monday's board of education meeting to complain about improper security -- but added that she believed the allegations were untrue.

"After being made aware of allegations of improper security at the February 5 boys basketball game, we conducted an investigation by interviewing those in attendance and reviewing security camera footage. It is clear to me that our security guards, including senior guard Don Henderson, acted appropriately throughout the game in keeping order and enforcing civility in the crowd.  I applaud the efforts of Mr. Henderson and the other guards, along with the Riverhead Town Police, who prevented the incident from escalating into a physical confrontation," Carney said.

She added, "The allegations made by a Smithtown resident and his daughter were serious, but it is clear to me that the facts do not back up their version of events. I have no doubt that they found the incident to be unsettling, but the reactions of our security guards were appropriate and helpful."

The superintendent said Riverhead High School athletic events are intended to be welcoming to all fans who are there to support student athletes as they compete in their chosen sports.

"We recognize that fans can become enthusiastic as they cheer on the players.  We welcome that zest and enthusiasm as long as it falls within the confines of good sportsmanship and behavior," Carney said. "Our security guards are well aware of that policy and work professionally to enforce those rules."