Bel Air High Among Schools With Increased Police On Wednesday

BEL AIR, MD — After the Harford County Sheriff's Office said there would be an increased police presence at Harford Tech on Wednesday, the Bel Air Police Department advised there would be more law enforcement on campus at Bel Air High School as well. The ramp-up comes after what police said was an "indirect threat to Bel Air High School posted to social media."

An evacuation at Bel Air High School Wednesday morning was unrelated to the social media threats, according to Harford County Public Schools spokeswoman Jillian Lader.

The evacuation was "due to a reported gas smell," Lader told Patch. As of 10:20 a.m., she said that the situation had been resolved and classes had resumed.

Harford County Public Schools officials are asking parents to review with their children the importance of thinking before posting to social media after they said a "number of threats" were received.

"We need your help to stem the spread of unfounded rumors by talking with your child about responsible social media use, as rumors originate and perpetuate in that forum and can cause undue stress on the school community," school officials said. "The misuse of social media may result in school discipline and serious legal consequences. Under no circumstances will HCPS tolerate anyone creating a climate of fear for our students, families, and staff."

Police said the investigation revealed there was no danger to Bel Air or any other high school in the area.

Here is the statement issued by the Bel Air Police Department on Wednesday morning:

"The Bel Air Police Department, Harford County Public Schools, and supporting agencies are aware of the recent indirect threat to Bel Air High School posted to social media. At this time there is no credible or viable information supporting this threat to our school. There have been several indirect threats on social media referencing other schools in the area as well. All of these threats have been investgated and are unfounded. Out of precaution, there will be an increased presence of law enforcement officers in and around our schools in the town of Bel Air."

On Wednesday morning, Harford County Public Schools issued this statement as well:

"As you may be aware, there have been a number of threats reported throughout our school system. We have been working with the Department of Safety and Security and the Harford County Sheriff’s Office and other local law enforcement agencies to determine there is no valid or supporting evidence found to indicate any credible threat.

"School safety is our utmost priority and the members of the administrative team and security staff will continue to be vigilant in maintaining the safety of Harford County Public Schools. A letter from the Superintendent has been placed on the HCPS website and on each school EdLine page addressing safety in our schools.

"Please know that we take all reports and threats seriously and has been our practice, will continue to work cooperatively with public safety and other agencies to ensure the safety of our students and staff.
We need your help to stem the spread of unfounded rumors by talking with your child about responsible social media use, as rumors originate and perpetuate in that forum and can cause undue stress on the school community.

"The misuse of social media may result in school discipline and serious legal consequences.

"Under no circumstances will HCPS tolerate anyone creating a climate of fear for our students, families, and staff.

"Together we can help keep our schools a safe and comfortable learning environment for our children."

SEE ALSO: Threat Toward Harford Tech To Increase Police Presence, Says Sheriff

The heightened police presence at Harford County Public Schools is occurring exactly one week after a 19-year-old opened fire at a high school in southeastern Florida, killing 17 people.

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File photo by Elizabeth Janney.