Even if students say it’s a joke – nobody’s laughing, especially the cops
School leaders talk about student safety all the time.
It’s also a mission of law enforcement, but there isn’t much they can do until they get the call for a threat, and travel to assist the school resource officer there.
The Kissimmee Police Department and the School District of Osceola County are working to bridge that gap by launching a School Threat Awareness Initiative.
Announced Thursday, the plan is being built to remind students, families, and the community of the role everyone plays in keeping schools safe and how to report a concern. The initiative provides practical guidance for students, families, school employees, and community members to recognize threatening behavior and understanding what happens after a report of a threat is made.
“School safety is a shared responsibility, and everyone has a role to play,” said Kissimmee Police Chief Charles Broadway. “We want students, parents, and community members to know that they should never hesitate to report something that concerns them. Reporting allows the appropriate professionals to evaluate the information and take the necessary steps to protect our schools and community.”
The overlying message from the police and those who run our schools is that every threat that is made via new technology like text messaging and social media is thoroughly investigated, evaluated and, most importantly, taken seriously.
KPD will not be lenient about those that students claim are jokes – and reminds everyone that a threat does not have to be carried out to result in criminal consequences. The act of making, posting, sending, or sharing the threat – even outside of school – can become a criminal offense if investigated and verified.
“Every threat will be taken seriously and investigated every time,” Osceola School Superintendent Dr. Mark Shanoff said.
As part of the initiative, those who see something concerning are encouraged to report it for trained professionals to evaluate. Reporting tools include:
The FortifyFL app – when you need to report a suspicious activity or school safety concern, including anonymously.
A School Administrator or Staff – when the concern involves school safety, student behavior, bullying, threats, or a campus issue.
School Resource Officer (SRO) – when the concern may involve criminal behavior, weapons, threats, violence, or an immediate safety issue.
Local Law Enforcement – when the threat is after hours, off campus, urgent, or may require immediate investigation.
9-1-1 – when there is immediate danger to life or safety.
“If you see something concerning, don’t wait,” Shanoff said.
More details are available at Kissimmee.gov/schoolthreats.
