MCPO and WCPO Visit Phillipsburg H.S. to Discuss Bias and Bullying
Published on May 24, 2022
On May 19, 2022, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Samantha DeNegri and Sergeant Patrick LaGuerre joined members of the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office to discuss cyber bullying and bias crimes with the students of Phillipsburg High School in Warren County.
The MCPO routinely conducts presentations at schools throughout Morris County to engage with local youth about exercising good judgement when it comes to how they interact with others online or in school. Partnering with members of the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office, they travelled to Phillipsburg to conduct their presentation.
SAP DeNegri and Sgt. LaGuerre stressed that students should be mindful of what they post on social media, because how you conduct yourself online could potentially impact your future. Social media and technology today document everything, even photos and messages you assume were deleted or only temporary, including ones you believe to be private. This data can be accessed and potentially shared after being deleted, they said.
SAP DeNegri and Sgt. LaGuerre explained the difference between bias crimes and bias incidents, cautioning students that their school administrators can choose to take disciplinary action even if an incident isn’t considered criminal.
Students were given the chance to ask questions following the program.
The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office has also partnered with the Hudson and Sussex Prosecutor’s Offices for bias and bullying programs.
Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll said “We are honored to work with the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office in connecting with our youth about the negative impacts of bullying and bias conduct. We share an absolute commitment to help our students understand the long-term damage that can result from these behaviors, as well as identifying strategies to resist such actions.”
Media inquiries concerning this press release should be directed to Public Information Officer Meghan Knab at [email protected] or by phone at 973-829-8159.
Warren County Prosecutor’s Office Assistant Prosecutor Lisa Queen, WCPO Detective Jaime Russoniello, WCPO First Assistant Prosecutor Anthony Robinson, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Samantha DeNegri, MCPO Sergeant Patrick LaGuerre, Assistant Principal Kyle Rovi, and Assistant Principal John Stillo.