FBI , CMS and CMPD launch joint awareness campaign to warn everyone to # ThinkBeforeYouPost
The Federal Bureau of Investigation ( FBI ) Charlotte Division , Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools ( CMS ) and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department ( CMPD ) have launched a new joint awareness campaign to educate everyone about the consequences of making school threats , and remind community members hoax threats are not a joke .
In the aftermath of tragic shootings such as the ones at Santa Fe High School and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School , the FBI , the CMPD , and law enforcement agencies around the country often see an increase in threats made to schools and other public buildings .
Federal , state , and local law enforcement agencies follow up on every tip we receive from the public , and analyze and investigate all threats to determine their credibility . Making false threats drains law enforcement resources and costs taxpayer money . When an investigation concludes there was a false or hoax threat made to a school , or another public place , state or federal charges can be levied . A federal charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison .
“ As the new school year ramps up , we need the public to understand this message . Making threats against schools , even those you did not intend to carry out , can result in felony convictions at the state or federal level . It is not a joke ,” said John A . Strong , Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina .
“ The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is committed to keeping this community safe , and we know how quickly misinformation , especially on
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social media , can spread ,” said CMPD Police Chief Kerr Putney . “ We work in close partnership with the FBI , CMS and the DA ’ s office to investigate these claims , arrest and charge individuals who make threats via social media . It is a serious crime that involves serious consequences .”
“ CMS values the partnership with FBI and CMPD to issue this important call to keep our schools safe ,” said Dr . Clayton Wilcox , superintendent of CMS . “ This is a strong message to our families that all law enforcement agencies are working cohesively on the issue of school safety .”
The Chiefs of Cornelius , Huntersville , Matthews , Mint Hill , and Pineville also join forces to educate students to # ThinkBeforeYouPost . Each agency provides valuable school resource officers within Mecklenburg County .
Public assistance is crucial to our efforts to curb these hoax threats . We ask that the public continue to contact law enforcement to report any potential threats or suspicious activity . If there is any reason to believe the safety of others is at risk , we ask that the public immediately reach out to their local police department by calling 911 .
Law enforcement officers spend countless hours investigating threats to determine their credibility . Schools lose precious learning time responding to these threats . And most importantly , a young person can ruin their future by making a hoax school threat . # ThinkBeforeYouPost !
The Charlotte # ThinkBeforeYouPost campaign will include digital billboard space around Charlotte and inside the Epicentre to promote the message . Adams Outdoor Advertising and Orange Barrel Media are graciously donating billboard space . The FBI , CMPD , local law enforcement agencies , and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System will promote the message across their social media platforms using art , public service announcement videos , and additional resources for parents and students .
What Should You Do to Help ?
• Don ’ t ever post or send any hoax threats … period .
• If you are a target of an online threat , alert your local law enforcement immediately .
• If you see a threat of violence posted on social media , immediately contact local law enforcement or your local FBI office .
• Notify authorities , but don ’ t share or forward the threat until law enforcement has had a chance to investigate — this can spread misinformation and cause panic .
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• If you are a parent or family member , know that some young people post these threats online as a cry for attention or as a way to get revenge or exert control . Talk to your child about the proper outlet for their stress or other emotions , and explain the importance of responsible social media use and the consequences of posting hoax threats .
Resources FBI Warns of Posting Hoax Threats to Institutions and Launches Campaign to Educate the Public to # ThinkBeforeYouPost FBI , This Week : Campaign Addresses Consequences of Hoax Threats Esta Semana en el FBI : Por Medio de una Campaña se Abordan las Consecuencias de las Amenaza Think Before You Post PSA
4 • September / October 2018 • Parent Teacher Magazine