When schools receive hoax threats, rumors of threats, and when there is a spread of false information, learning environments are disrupted and and there is understandably increased fear in our community.

Safety is our top priority

The safety and wellbeing of our students, staff and families is our top priority. Maintaining safety in our schools requires an ongoing partnership with school staff, students, families, law enforcement and the surrounding community.

Safety is critical, and our district fully investigates each threat in collaboration with the FBI and/or our state and local law enforcement partners.

Issuing a threat is a crime

As a district, we have investigated a number of hoax threats of targeted violence against local schools. These threats—often issued via text message or posted on social media—are taken very seriously. Our law enforcement partners investigate every tip to ensure the safety of our students, staff and community. Hoax threats can result in both arrest by law enforcement and/or suspension or expulsion by the school district. Hoax threats are not a joke, and they can have devastating consequences—both for the public and for those who post them.

Issuing a threat—even over social media, via text message, verbally, through email, or other means—is a crime. Please share with your kids and those in your community that making a threat is a poor choice that could impact them for years to come.

Threats impact our entire community

In addition to the individual consequences a person may face, these threats have a serious impact on our community. They divert district resources from providing support for students and disrupt the learning environment for hundreds of students. Law enforcement resources are diverted from investigating other crimes, and they cost taxpayers a lot of money. The threats can also cause severe emotional distress to students, school staff and families.

Things to remember

Don’t share or forward a threat until law enforcement has a chance to investigate—this can spread misinformation and cause panic.

• Don’t ever post or send any hoax threats online
• If you are the target of an online threat, call your local law enforcement immediately
• Salem Police Department Non-Emergency 503-588-6123
• Keizer Police Department Non-Emergency 503-390-2000
• Marion County Sheriff’s Office 503-588-5032

If you see a threat of violence posted online, contact local law enforcement or call 1-800-CALL-FBI. You can also submit information online to the FBI on the FBI’s website.

Use SafeOregon by calling or sending a text to 844-472-3367 anytime. Tips also can be emailed or made through the SafeOregon app.

Remember – a hoax threat is no joke. Think before you post.