JACKSON – In the aftermath of a gunman’s killing spree at Majory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., that left 17 people dead on Feb. 14, the Jackson Police Department posted a message on social media and sought to assure parents their children are safe in school.
“Our officers regularly conduct patrols on school grounds and in the surrounding areas and as already begun in the aftermath of the incident in Florida, there will be increased patrols in the following days as any rumors or allegations are followed up on and investigated,” Capt. Steven Laskiewicz said.
On the evening of Feb. 15, police were contacted by several residents in regard to social media rumors being circulated which alleged a student had a list of students he might wish to harm. The rumors included an alleged comment regarding a shooting in or at school, according to police.
Officers were able to identify the student allegedly involved in the matter and conducted an investigation which determined the rumors were unsubstantiated and not credible, Laskiewicz said.
“The police department takes all allegations of violence seriously, but there has been no specific information received of any threats being made to, witnessed, or overheard by anyone and no information presented to investigating officers of any threats made on social media which would give the officers reason to take law enforcement action,” Laskiewicz said in regard to the Feb. 15 matter.
He said police will follow up on any information that is received, work with school administrators should they need any assistance and continue to assign officers to patrol Jackson’s schools to ensure the safety of students and staff members.
