<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=12XMtz_0vjjq7QY00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=12XMtz_0vjjq7QY00" width="1320" height="743" >QUINCY, Ill. (KHQA) — After a rise in threats to local schools in the area, law enforcement are wanting the public to remember what the repercussions could be.KHQA learned that at Quincy High School on Tuesday, a threat was made in the form of a swatting call that sent the schools into a secure mode, not allowing anybody to enter the building.A swatting call is a scam or hoax that is directed at sending law enforcement to a specific location.Quincy Deputy Police Chief Mike Tyler says the calls can be very serious issues."It could result in officers responding to calls and getting in an accident because of this call because they're running hot or a fire department member getting injured or anything like that, so they are very serious because we do respond to calls for service especially serious ones like that."Over in Missouri, Hannibal schools had to lockdown Wednesday morning due to threatening messages sent to a student.Canton Police Chief Tycher Blakely says it has become a serious issue in the Show-Me state."We had the governor, he was swatted not that long ago, so law enforcement in general takes these types of situations seriously because they can put people's lives at risk."Police say these threats can fall under false police report and disorderly conduct charges, which is a felony.Additionally, it can get upgraded to a terrorist type threat which is also a felony."So you have a range of charges there that can put you into prison for quite a ways," Tyler said.Blakely says if you do receive these calls, do not hesitate."Law enforcement is going to be on a heightened response, so they're going to be definitely giving commands so definitely just make sure that you're not doing anything over or of that nature that may confuse the officer or the response in reference to being a victim in that situation," said Blakely.Quincy Junior High School was on secure mode Wednesday morning due to the threat.The lockdown was lifted later on in the school day.</div></body>

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Local law enforcement explain consequences for threats to schools as numbers rise

QUINCY, Ill. (KHQA) — After a rise in threats to local schools in the area, law enforcement are wanting the public to remember what the repercussions could be. KHQA learned that at Quincy High School on Tuesday, a threat was made in the form of a swatting call that sent the schools into a secure mode, not allowing anybody to enter the building.