Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood recently spoke out against the increased number of hoax school threats being reported through the Fortify Florida app, which allows citizens to report suspicious activity to law enforcement. In less than 24 hours, the sheriff’s office received 54 threats, which resulted in nearly $21,000 being spent on investigations. Chitwood called the situation “out of control” and emphasized that all the tips they received turned out to be false. The sheriff expressed frustration with the wasted resources and warned that they would pursue legal action against those responsible for making hoax threats.
Following the influx of threats, two middle school students, aged 13 and 14, were arrested and charged with making written threats to kill after allegedly posting about committing a school shooting on social media platforms. A third possible suspect is also under investigation. Chitwood made it clear that parents of children making bogus threats would not be exempt from consequences. He stated that parents who failed to monitor their children’s behavior would also face consequences, including having their child’s photo publicly shared and potentially being perp-walked. The sheriff emphasized the seriousness of the threats and urged parents to take responsibility for their children’s actions.
Chitwood condemned the behavior of those making false threats, highlighting the impact on families who have lost loved ones in school shootings. He stressed that the consequences for making such threats would be severe, and that law enforcement would not tolerate such behavior. The sheriff’s office is taking a strong stance against hoax threats, aiming to deter students from engaging in such irresponsible and dangerous behavior. Chitwood’s comments come in the wake of a recent school shooting in Georgia where two students and two teachers lost their lives.
The sheriff’s office has initiated investigations into each threat reported through the Fortify Florida app, utilizing significant resources to ensure the safety of students and staff in the schools. Chitwood emphasized the importance of taking all threats seriously, regardless of their credibility. He urged parents to monitor their children’s online activity and to address any concerning behavior promptly. The sheriff’s office plans to hold those responsible for making hoax threats accountable for their actions, including both the students and their parents.
As the community grapples with the impact of school violence and threats, law enforcement agencies are working diligently to address the issue and prevent further incidents. The sheriff’s office is committed to ensuring the safety and security of schools in Volusia County, and they are urging parents and students to take responsibility for their actions. By holding those responsible for making false threats accountable, they hope to deter others from engaging in similar behavior. Chitwood’s strong stance against hoax threats serves as a warning to those who may think it is a joke, emphasizing the serious consequences that can result from such reckless behavior.
