Rumors Of Violence Prompt Additional Security At Bartow Schools

CARTERSVILLE, GA — The Bartow County School System said it will bolster the presence of police officers at two schools following reports of shooting threats posted on social media accounts. The system's decision, of course, comes just a week after accused shooter Nikolas Cruz entered Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, and gunned down 17 people.

School system spokesperson Alisha Evans told Patch that Woodland High School was the target in one of these posts. While there "has been no credible evidence to indicates any student is in danger," she added the system will have more officers on hand Thursday at the high school.

"Again, our officers have been very diligent in this matter, investigating every possible lead, and have found no legitimate threat to the school," said Evans.

Later in the evening, the school system added on its Facebook page that it was also made aware of a post alleging a shooting will take place at Cass High School.

"Even in the late hours, school resource officers have been investigating and following all possible leads," the system added. "At this time, we deem the threat not credible. We take all threats and rumors of threats extremely seriously, and will follow-up on this case tomorrow, Feb. 22. If there is any indication of wrongdoing, policies will be followed and violators will be held accountable."

Cass High School on its Facebook page told parents that administrators are aware of the alleged Snapchat photo making the rounds on social media, and additional Bartow school police officers will be on the campus Thursday.

Wednesday's announcements also follows the system's decision to purchase access control systems for at least 12 exterior doors at its facilities. It also said it will be testing its 9-1-1 buttons that are already in place at district schools.

"We would like to take these extra precautions and use them in addition to our security systems, current access control systems, cameras and resource officers who are highly trained in active shooter situations," the system previously said. "While we cannot prevent every situation from occurring, we will do our very best to protect our children. Remember, we are our brother’s keeper, an ethic of 'see something, say something' is also an essential resource for our community."

Return to Patch for updates.

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