WESTPORT — Extra police officers will be on duty at the town’s schools Friday, assigned as a precaution in the wake of more “swatting” calls — reporting fake threats to disrupt police response — received locally and around the state a day earlier.

In an emailed statement Thursday evening, Supt. of Schools Thomas Scarice said the Police Department on Wednesday learned that a so-called “international group” might make swatting calls Thursday to report that a shooter was in school buildings.

Even though Westport public schools were closed Thursday in observance of Rosh Hashanah, Scarice said, “We remained on standby in the event Westport received this potential swatting call. The WPD confirmed that a call was received identifying Staples High School with information similar to the warning.”

In response, police officers were dispatched to the high school to check the building for any potential threats, “particularly the bathrooms, the place identified in the swatting call,” the superintendent said. The investigation found no evidence of a potential threat, he added.

Following is the complete statement from Scarice on the latest round of school threats: 

“Last evening, the Westport Police Department was informed of the potential of an international group planning to send swatting calls nationwide to schools reporting that a shooter was in the school building. 

“The information was shared with chiefs of police statewide and the Connecticut State Police command staff was also notified. 

“The information was described as very vague.

“Given the holiday, the WPD shared the information and we remained on standby in the event Westport received this potential swatting call. 

“The WPD confirmed that a call was received identifying Staples High School with information similar to the warning last night.

“As a precaution, a number of WPD officers were dispatched to Staples and they walked the building, particularly the bathrooms, the place identified in the swatting call.  The entire facility was cleared by the WPD.  

“I have been in communication with the WPD Chief, Foti Koskinsas, and we agreed that an additional presence will be on, and near, our campuses tomorrow, all arriving well before school starts.  

“Fortunately, our effective partnership with the WPD enabled us to prepare well in advance for this potential report. Although the holiday made it easier with our schools largely empty, we did not soften our preparation and the WPD communicated an assertive response once the actual call was received.  

“Again, a swatting call is a false report to emergency services to prompt a strong police response to a specific address. The goal is to frighten, harass, or cause problems for the target.  

“I can assure the community that our strong safety protocols and continued partnership with the WPD provide a safe school environment for all of our students and staff.”