Chief: School threats taken “very seriously”

By Randy Bell

Clinton Police Chief Ford Hayman

Following threats to student safety at two Clinton schools last month, Clinton Police Chief Ford Hayman is making it clear that such behavior won’t be tolerated.

“The Clinton Police Department takes any threat directed at a school or student very seriously,” Hayman says.

Clinton police apprehended the twelve-year-old suspect in the case on February 12 only a few hours after administrators at Clinton Junior High and Sumner Hill Junior High were made aware of the threatening social media posts.

“Our school resource officers (SROs) and investigative staff begin working immediately once a threat has been presented,” the chief says. “The source of the threat is tracked down to the person responsible, and an arrest ensues. The offender will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and the Clinton Public School District (CPSD) will employ administrative action from the district. In most cases, the offender faces criminal prosecution and expulsion from the school district.”

According to Hayman, the police department and the school district have a strong partnership which is “indicative of the level of importance we place on school safety. We have added to our SRO staffing levels in recent years, and I commend Superintendent Andy Schoggin and the CPSD board for their unwavering belief in doing everything we can as partners to provide a safe environment for our children. This partnership allows for SROs to work on campuses in our district daily during the school year.”

In a statement, the school district said, “The safety and security of all students, faculty and staff is of the utmost priority.”