FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 12, 2024) – In response to several school threats that have occurred across the commonwealth this week, the Kentucky State Police and the Kentucky Department of Education have issued the below statements.
“Kentucky State Police will continue to work with school resource officers, local law enforcement and school administrators to ensure the safety of all students. As a trooper and a father who has children in our school system, I can assure you that we will take any threat seriously and make arrests where possible.” -Kentucky State Police Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr.
“There is no greater trust – or responsibility – that can be given to our schools than a parent or guardian saying he or she trusts us with his or her child. While we are concerned about the amount of time our students are missing due to these hoaxes, our primary concern is the safety and well-being of the students and staff members that are in our schools every day across Kentucky. We ask our families to talk with their students about the very real and serious consequences that can happen if they call in a threat against another student or their school. A threat like this can result in a student facing suspension, expulsion and/or alternative placements, in addition to the consequences from our justice system.” -Kentucky Department of Education Commissioner Robbie Fletcher
Kentucky State Police and Kentucky Department of Education urge parents to have a conversation with their children about the dangers and consequences of posting threatening messages on social media or online. Families should also speak with their children about reporting any concerning information they may come across on social media or online to an adult. Ensuring that any information reported is accurate and truthful is crucial, as false reports can lead to unnecessary fear and confusion. However, KSP emphasizes that this should not discourage anyone from reporting potential crimes or threats.
Kentucky Revised Statute 508 states threats of violence directed toward a school are Terroristic Threatening 1st Degree, which is a Class C Felony. Furthermore, a Class C Felony is a serious crime that can carry a punishment of up to 5 to 10 years in prison.
On August 28, the Kentucky Office of the State School Security Marshal released the annual School Safety Risk Assessment Report, which shows 99.81% of Kentucky’s schools are following statutory safety requirements. The report shows that 1,325 schools are in compliance with the School Safety and Resiliency Act.
Since Gov. Andy Beshear signed House Bill 63 in 2022, every Kentucky public school is required to employ a school resource officer (SRO) and the number of SROs assigned to school campuses has increased to 790. This is a 28% increase over the last year and a 61% increase since the bill was signed into law.
Team Kentucky is thankful for local and state law enforcement agencies and the SROs who have responded to recent threats and work to keep Kentucky’s students and staff safe.
(Sherry Bray – Kentucky State Police)