The FBI this week announced a campaign to educate the public on the consequences of "posting hoax threats" on social media toward schools and other public places.
The campaign, which uses the hashtag #ThinkBeforeYouPost, stresses that hoax threats are not a joke.
"In the aftermath of tragic shootings such as the ones at Santa Fe High School in Texas and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida, the FBI and law enforcement around the country often see an increase in threats made to schools and other public forums," the FBI said in a news release. "The FBI and our partners follow up on every tip we receive from the public and analyze and investigate all threats to determine their credibility."
The release said that federal, state and local law enforcement "employ a full range of tools to mitigate those threats that are deemed credible.
"Making false threats drains law enforcement resources and cost taxpayers a lot of money," it said. "When an investigation concludes there was a false or hoax threat made to a school or another public place, a federal charge could be considered, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. If a federal charge is not warranted, state charges can be considered."
Garland County school districts have dealt with numerous threats since February, each one investigated by local law enforcement.
Garland County Sheriff Mike McCormick said Friday that the sheriff's department takes every threat seriously and has a "no tolerance policy." McCormick said the department has arrested several students at different grade levels due to threats made this school year.
On Feb. 19, a 16-year-old Mountain Pine student was arrested for allegedly creating a "death list" of other students and faculty members and charged with first-degree terroristic threatening, a felony punishable by up to six years in prison.
Similarly, a "hit list" of students' names was found on a torn-up note card on Feb. 27 at Jessieville School District. The district determined there was no danger to students or staff, but said in a Facebook post that same day that it "takes all threats to students and staff seriously, and the incident was investigated by the administration and the school resource officer" until later that day.
In March, a 16-year-old student at Fountain Lake High School was arrested after Garland County sheriff's investigators were notified of a possible threat of violence. According to a news release from the sheriff's department, the suspect later admitted during an interview to having written literature "that contained the manner of death of other individuals," and was charged with terroristic threatening, a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail.
In response, the high school administration partnered with the sheriff's department in an assembly to encourage students to report anything they see or hear about potential threats.
In early May, a Lake Hamilton High School student was suspended from school following "disturbing comments" the student made toward the school and fellow students. The school was made aware of the threat May 7, and the administration and security staff immediately contacted the sheriff's department.
McCormick said it is critical that his department maintains a relationship with the school districts and said that, as of this week, all Garland County districts now have a school resource officer.
His department, he said, also offers to the general public Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events, or CRASE, training. Those interested may contact McCormick or Under Sheriff Jason Lawrence.
The FBI in its release stated public assistance in efforts to curb threats "is crucial."
The public is asked to contact law enforcement to report potential threats and suspicious activity. Threats should be reported by contacting local law enforcement, calling 911, or contacting the FBI via http://tips.fbi.gov or 800-CALL-FBI
"Early intervention can prevent a situation from escalating by identifying, assessing, and managing the threat," the release said. "Remember, if you see something, say something. Hoax threats are not a joke, so think before you post."
Local on 05/26/2018