Threats To Anne Arundel Schools Not Credible, Arrest Made

PASADENA, MD — Students have been arrested following the latest rounds of threats of violence, this time aimed at Northeast High School in Pasadena. Anne Arundel County Police have extra officers at some school buildings in the county on Monday, authorities said.

On Sunday night Anne Arundel County Public Schools officials tweeted that they wre aware of an online threat that implies violence at Northeast. "Police are aggressively investigating leads in the case. If you have any information that could assist in this case, please call police," the district said. School opened as normal Monday.

Since the Feb. 14 school shooting in Parkland, Florida, killed 17 students and teachers, school officials have worked with county police and other partners to help ensure that school operations proceed as normally as possible. There are currently no known credible threats at any county school, the district said on its website. But to help ease fear and anxiety of students, parents, and staff, additional police will be at schools throughout the week.

"Please know that we take every report of every threat seriously, and work with our partners in law enforcement to fully investigate these matters," the school system says. "Again, additional police presence planned for schools this week is only a precaution."

SEE ALSO:

• 20 Safest School Districts In Maryland
• No School System Can Guarantee Total Safety: AACPS Leader

Police have not said how many arrests were made as a result of the latest threat, if those arrested are Anne Arundel students, or what charges were filed.

Someone used Snapchat to circulate what police called a noncredible threat against Northeast High School, police told Patch, but there is no evidence of who posted the original message. And authorities say a North County High School student posted on social media asking if anyone heard about a threat to the Ferndale school, but no original post containing any type of threat has been found.

An arrest was made earlier this month after a 16-year-old was involved in a fight at a Glen Burnie school and threatened the other party. The teen was arrested for threat of mass violence and trespassing after he showed up at school during the day but was not permitted to be there.

Anne Arundel Police spokesman Marc Limansky tells Patch that students who view threatening content on social media should call the police or go to a teacher, school administrator or parent and have them call police. "They should NOT share or otherwise spread the social media post or text message," Limansky says. "Call police upon viewing the initial post so that it's closest as possible to the originating source. Once shared and spread widely, it becomes increasingly difficult to identify the original source."

Also, parents should talk to their children about posting or re-posting threatening content. "They should be aware of what their sons and daughters are doing on social media and have honest conversations about the effects of certain social media posts," Limansky said.

Over the weekend there were threatening social media posts about some county schools, police said. Parents are asked to talk with children about seriousness of these types of posts and that they are not funny.

Some of these persons have been identified and charged. "Parents, please talk with kids and relay that these messages are taken very serious and they will be held accountable," police said.

Anne Arundel County Public Schools Superintendent George Arlotto posted a letter to the community onf Feb. 16 assessing school security. In his message, the schools chief said that no school or school system can guarantee 100 percent safety of students and staff 100 percent of the time.

"There is not a day that goes by in our school system when the issue of school safety is not discussed. We are constantly looking for ways to bolster the security in our buildings and take advantage of technological advancements to create even safer environments for our students and staff," Dr. Arlotto wrote.

Arlotto reviewed security practices that the school system his in place — from visitor check-ins with staff to school resource police officers in buildings to mental health professionals to work with troubled students and staff — but said that the public is key in making sure schools are safe.

"For all that technology has to offer, however, our greatest asset is you. It is alert and attentive students, parents, staff members, and others who provide the greatest information we could receive when it comes to issues that may be brewing in our communities or schools," Arlotto wrote. "I implore you to continue those conversations at home, in your workplace, and in our schools. We cannot know everything, and we depend on you to partner with us. Put simply, if you see or hear something, say something."

Image via Anne Arundel County Police