Schools in the St. Louis area and across the country are experiencing a notable increase in threats, which is putting a strain on school resources and law enforcement agencies.
Although some individuals making these threats may consider them humorous, they are causing distress to students, parents, and staff.
Law enforcement officials have stated that identifying the source of these threats is possible and that information is then passed on to the relevant authorities. For minors who make such threats, this information is forwarded to school districts and juvenile court systems.
“Hoax threats are not a joke,” said Special Agent in Charge Ashley T. Johnson of the FBI St. Louis Division. “Don’t think you can hide. We will find you and hold you accountable.”
Juvenile authorities are taking these threats seriously, with some jurisdictions detaining juveniles accused of making them. If found guilty, minors could be placed under supervision similar to probation or parole, including GPS monitoring. They might also be removed from their homes and placed in the custody of the Missouri Division of Youth Services.
Many schools suspend minors during investigations into such threats. These suspensions can last up to 180 days or result in expulsion from the school system.
Adults can face charges in state or federal court for making hoax threats. Federally, sentences can reach up to five years in prison for making a hoax threat; if someone is injured as a result, the sentence increases to 20 years; if death occurs, it could lead to a life sentence.
Authorities urge people not to share or repost any threats on social media as it delays identifying the original source by hours or more. Instead, they advise contacting 911 or using Missouri’s school safety threat reporting system, Courage2Report, either online at https://p3campus.com/5250, by calling 866-748-7047 or texting C2R to 738477.
###
