Kentucky State Police and Kentucky Board of Education issue statements on recent school threats

HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT) – In response to several school threats across Kentucky this week, Kentucky State Police and the Kentucky Department of Education released a couple of statements.

“Kentucky State Police will continue to work with school resource officers, local law enforcement and school administrators to ensure the safety of all students,” said KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. “As a trooper and a father who has children in our school system, I can assure you that we will take any threat seriously and make arrests where possible.”

“There is no greater trust – or responsibility – that can be given to our schools than a parent or guardian saying he or she trusts us with his or her child,” said Kentucky Department of Education Commissioner Robbie Fletcher. “While we are concerned about the amount of time our students are missing due to these hoaxes, our primary concern is the safety and well-being of the students and staff members that are in our schools every day across Kentucky. We ask our families to talk with their students about the very real and serious consequences that can happen if they call in a threat against another student or their school.  A threat like this can result in a student facing suspension, expulsion and/or alternative placements, in addition to the consequences from our justice system.”

Officials urge parents to have a conversation with their children about the dangers and consequences of posting threatening messages on social media or online, and families should also speak with their children about reporting any concerning information they may come across on social media or online to an adult.

Officials also state ensuring any information is reported accurately and truthfully is crucial, as false reports can lead to unnecessary fear and confusion.

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