MISSISSIPPI - SCHOOL OFFICIALS ASSURE SAFETY FOLLOWING STRING OF ONLINE THREATS

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - Northwest Rankin Middle School, Richland High School, Warren Central Junior High, Betty Mae Jack Middle School, Mendenhall High School, and Terry High School all heard of possible threats this month.

After investigation, no credible threat was identified at any school except Northwest Rankin Middle School. A suspect was arrested and taken to Rankin County Juvenile Detention Facility.

In the metro area, school districts told WLBT 3 On Your Side that most of these threats come from social media. According to Tonie Crisler with the Hinds County School District, making reposts is how things can get carried away.

“Social media blows everything up, and you have to be very careful with that. But you also have to take it very seriously because you never know when it’s for real and when it’s not,” Crisler said.

Most times, students see potential threats before their school does. Rankin County Schools Safety and Security Administrator Jesse Pagart says it’s important for students to report them properly.

“Instead of sharing things on social media that may be a rumor, go through our tipline. They can go to an administrator,” Pagart said.

Safety is a top concern across the board, and resource officers are on campuses every day. Schools also increase security as needed during threat investigations, including metal detectors.

“If you got to any campus in Rankin County School District, and you ask the principal their number one priority as an administrator, they’re going to say the safety of our children,” Pagart said.

“If we feel that the school is unsafe, we will be the first person to say, Stay away, the school is in a lockdown. We don’t want you here. Please stay at home,” Crisler said.

While districts are doing their part to keep students safe, law enforcement is working to punish the people making these threats. This could even mean felony charges.

“We take all threats and all matters regarding our schools, our staff, students, administrators, and the school property itself seriously. Once we’re able to identify them, if we deem it necessary, they can, and they will be charged with a crime.”

Law enforcement is not responsible for how schools discipline students involved in threats.

“We do not direct the school to do anything. The school can suspend, expel, and send to the learning center. However, it chooses to handle that matter according to its policies,” said Corey Gerber, a Rankin County Youth Court prosecutor.

If a student is sent to youth court in Rankin County, they will go through a mental health crisis assessment.

“It’s important to understand that youth court is based on rehabilitation. However, punishment is a part of that rehabilitation,” Gerber said.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation can be called to help in school threat investigations. Anyone making a threat against a school could be treated as a terrorist.