News Releases

Montgomery County Department of Police - Statement on School Threats

For Immediate Release: Monday, February 10, 2020

Since the beginning of the school year, Montgomery County has experienced several threats directed at schools throughout the County.  These threats, directed toward other students and/or the school community, have come in various forms, but primarily social media.  Some of these threats have been direct while others have used suggestive words and/or images.  These threats have proven not to be credible after detectives had conducted thorough investigations.

Many of the people making these threats have motives that range from wanting to disrupt school activities to making the threat as a prank.

The Montgomery County Department of Police fully investigates each threat and works to identify the person or persons responsible for making the threat.  If a person makes threats, regardless whether it is a prank, he/she can be criminally charged.  Charges may vary, but threats to schools can include the following:

• Education Article 26-101-Disorderly Conduct/Disruption of School Activities
• Criminal Law 3-1001-Threat of Mass Violence
• Criminal Law 6-107(a)(2)-Threat of Arson/Destructive devices

The Montgomery County Department of Police urges parents to consider the following points:

1. Monitor your child’s social media and talk to him/her about using social media responsibly.
2. See something, say something - If you or your child become aware of a threat or other suspicious activity that is concerning, please call police. In regard to social media, please do not share the concerning message – again, call police.
3. Remind your child that any threat made will be investigated, even if the child’s intention is to be humorous or as a retaliatory prank.

Members of the Montgomery County Department of Police and the Montgomery County Public Schools continue to work in partnership to maintain safe schools for students, staff, and our community.

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CTJ

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Release ID: 20-072
Media Contact: mcpnews 
Categories: press-releases, public-statement, uncategorized