Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association releases joint statement in light of ‘increased volume of school threats’

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association released a letter stating that they “will not tolerate anyone making threats and inciting fear within our schools and community” in light of a recent increase in school threat calls.

The joint statement, released on Friday, was signed by association president and Sullivan County Sheriff Jeff Cassidy. The joint statement said that the goal of an elected sheriff is to provide public safety and help citizens feel secure.

“We urge parents to monitor what their child is posting on social media platforms and to talk to them about the seriousness of making or even sharing threatening posts,” the joint statement reads, in part. “As always, we continue to urge the community to report anything suspicious or potentially threatening in nature toward schools or any public building.”

The letter comes after News 2 reported on multiple false school threats made across several Middle Tennessee school districts. Cannon County , Franklin County , Humphreys County , Warren County and Macon County responded to threats last week. Tullahoma and Nashville also responded to threat calls. Multiple arrests were made.

In Wilson County , school officials and law enforcement investigated multiple false threats, leading to the arrest of a teenage girl. On Wednesday, an anonymous tip about a threat circulating on snapchat prompted a “soft lockdown.”

“We understand the frustration, stress, and fear communities across our state are dealing with, and we will continue to investigate every threat received in an effort to ensure the safety of our schools and all citizens,” the joint statement added.

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