Security beefed up at JCC East Bay as a precaution

Security was tightened earlier this week at the Jewish Community Center of the East Bay in response to a potential threat. The precautions came after the Berkeley Police Department received information about a bomb threat at the center.

“After a thorough investigation by the BPD and the FBI, we determined the threats weren’t credible,” said Officer Jamie Perkins of the Berkeley Police Department.

Nonetheless, the JCC parking lot was closed to visitors and extra police patrols were put in place around the East Bay JCC. Building evacuation plans were reviewed and updated as well.

Security was especially heightened for the community’s Tikkun Leyl Shavuot May 18. JCC staff boosted its security presence inside the building, and all visitors had their bags checked upon entering.

Outside, reserve and patrol officers monitored the area beginning at 6 p.m. May 18 through 7:30 a.m. May 19, when the event concluded.