Juveniles Charged for Digital Threats to Pittsfield Schools
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Several juveniles have been charged for posting online threats to the school district.
Over the last several weeks, the Pittsfield Police Department and the school administration have received various reports of online posts and conversations about possible school threats.
They were found on social media platforms including Snapchat, TikTok, and Discord.
Police say the current investigation has not yielded information regarding specific plans to target a particular school.
"The PPD takes these reports very seriously. We share information with our school department, other law enforcement agencies, and intelligence gathering centers. As part of this current investigation, the PPD has conducted searches of residences, interviewed students and parents, and seized personal electronics and other evidence," the department wrote in a press release on Monday.
"Several juveniles have been charged with criminal offenses at Berkshire Juvenile Court, and others are expected to be charged as the investigation progresses."
In a communication to the district, Superintendent Joseph Curtis said the police "took immediate action to locate the parties involved, and the parties involved have been detained."
Because of the suspects' ages, further information cannot be released at this time.
"The Pittsfield Public Schools and the Pittsfield Police Department treat all potential threats with the utmost seriousness and want to reassure our families that these incidents are being thoroughly investigated," Curtis wrote.
"Currently, there is no immediate danger to any of our buildings."
Last week, the Berkshire Eagle reported that criminal charges will be filed against a Lenox Memorial Middle and High School student for a violence threat flagged by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It reportedly included the words "school" and "shooting."
On Sept. 4, two students and two teachers were killed in a mass shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Ga.
The police asked that parents and guardians have frank conversation with their children about the serious consequences of online posts, explaining "There is a thin line between freedom of speech and threatening language. If a juvenile creates a social media post that causes alarm and panic within the community, this department will investigate and take the appropriate action."
They also reminded the community that what goes on the internet stays on the internet and that posts can be accessed even if they are deleted.
Curtis vowed to share any further updates as soon as possible.
"As always, we are thankful for the prompt support of the Pittsfield Police Department and for our students, staff, and community members who report these matters right away," he wrote.
"If you see or hear something, don't hesitate — report it immediately."
Anyone with further information is asked to contact police at 413-448-9700 or anonymously via the tip line at 413-448-9706, or by texting PITTIP and a message to TIP411 (847411).
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