DUXBURY — Police suggest that the posting of a deputy sheriff at Harwood Union Middle/High School this week was more to ease concerns than because of any imminent danger.

A former Harwood student caused the school’s administration to request a deputy sheriff at the school this week.

A potential threat came from a minor who was at a “secure facility,” and a deputy sheriff was at the school Wednesday as a precaution for the security of students and staff, Washington County Sheriff W. Samuel Hill said Friday.

“Oftentimes even though there may not be a huge potential for the threat because the person may be incarcerated, it’s the security and the overall feelings that it makes people feel safer,” Hill said.

The minor was enrolled as a student earlier this school year, said Vermont State Police Lt. Paul White.

Although top school officials said the incident involved a restraining order, state police said they issued only a no-trespass order to the former student and provided a copy to that person’s parent Dec. 24.

The former student was scheduled to move out of state with a family member, Hill said. School officials said they confirmed later Wednesday the person was no longer in Vermont.