A message from Polk County Public Schools –
We’re taking threats seriously.
Already this year, 24 students have been arrested for making threats against our schools and students.
Being careless has consequences: students can be arrested, charged with felonies and expelled from school. PCPS will also pursue restitution from those responsible.
Here is a message from Superintendent Heid:
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I am writing to emphasize our district’s unwavering commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all students and staff. To date, we have implemented numerous security enhancements to ensure that our campuses remain safe, conducive to learning, and focused on student success.
Below are just a few of the security measures currently in place:
- Fencing and Gates: Physical barriers to control and restrict unauthorized access.
- Security Cameras: Comprehensive monitoring to enhance campus safety.
- Raptor System: A visitor management and automated emergency system to ensure controlled access and rapid response in the event of an emergency.
- Guardians and School Resource Officers (SROs): Present on all campuses to provide daily security.
- Random Searches and Wanding:Conducted at middle and high schools to deter contraband and promote safety.
- School Bus Stop Arm Cameras:Monitoring school bus stops for traffic law violations.
- Weapons Detection Canine Unit: A specialized canine unit trained to detect weapons on campus.
These examples only highlight a portion of our ongoing safety strategies. Rest assured, we continue to explore and implement additional measures as needed. However, we are increasingly concerned about the rise in online threats of violence, often made as a “joke” or in a moment of anger. These actions are not only irresponsible, but they also carry serious legal consequences. Alarmingly, 24 students have already been arrested since the start of the 2024-25 school year and charged with second-degree felonies for making such threats, which is a violation of Florida Statute 836.10:
“It Is unlawful for any person to send, post, or transmit, or procure the sending, posting, or transmission of, a writing or other record, including an electronic record, in any manner in which it may be viewed by another person, when in such writing or record the person makes a threat to: (a) Kill or to do bodily harm to another person; or (b) Conduct a mass shooting or an act of terrorism.”
There is a proper way for students, staff, parents and community members to share concerns about potential violence on school campuses. The state of Florida launched FortifyFL (https://getfortifyfl.com/), where anyone can submit an anonymous tip. Tips submitted through FortifyFL are sent directly to the district safety team, local law enforcement, and state officials. We work together to investigate and respond to all tips promptly.
I want to be very clear: Any threat, regardless of intent, will be taken with the utmost seriousness and will result in severe consequences. Anyone making a threat of violence, whether in person, online, or on social media, will face the following:
- Arrest: Individuals involved will be arrested and may face felony criminal charges. The district will pursue prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.
- Restitution for Security Costs: The individual (student or non-student) or their family will be responsible for paying restitution for all costs associated with security screenings, investigations, and other safety measures taken in response to the false threat.
Note: Based on prior cases, these costs can range between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on the scope of the investigation and response. - Expulsion: If the threat is made by a student, they will face expulsion in accordance with district policy.
We strongly urge you to have a serious discussion with your child about the gravity of making threats, even if intended as a joke. A single poor decision can result in lifelong consequences, not only for the individual involved but for our entire school community.
Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping our schools safe. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office or the Office of Safe Schools.
Sincerely,
Frederick Heid
Superintendent of Schools
Polk County Public Schools
