The Independence County Sheriff’s Department said Thursday morning it was placing extra officers throughout all school districts after a recent rash of online threats toward schools in the region.
“We are aware of screenshots and group text messages with threats against our local schools circulating in our area via text and social media platforms,” the department said. “We can assure you that all text and social media posts are taken seriously and are being investigated to the fullest extent.”
On Thursday morning, the Batesville School District posted a message to parents stating the district was aware of “group texts that circulated overnight,” making threats to that district and others in the area.
“Out of an abundance of caution, we are taking these messages seriously and will implement increased security measures,” the district said. “We are working closely with local and area police departments until we determine the validity of these threats.”
Similar messages were posted on the Facebook pages of the Southside School District and Cedar Ridge School District Thursday morning. And on Wednesday, a juvenile was arrested for threatening to “shoot up” a Valley View school, according to Region 8 News.
The incidents are not isolated to northeast and north-central Arkansas. According to Axios, hoaxes and “swatting” incidents — fake emergency calls made to provoke a large law enforcement response — tend to spike after a shooting, like the recent tragedy in Georgia.
“Threat tip lines, which had already seen increased usage this year, are busier than ever,” the news outlet said.
“After every high-profile shooting, you see an uptick for at least a week or two. There’s a contagion effect where this spreads across the country,” a school security expert told Axios.
Have a news tip or event to promote? Email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. And don’t forget to download the White River Now mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Get up-to-date local and regional news/weather from the First Community Bank Newsroom on Arkansas 103.3 KWOZ every weekday morning and afternoon. White River Now updates are also aired weekday mornings on 93 KZLE, Outlaw 106.5, and Your FM 99.5.
