Spike in fake school threats in Greater Sudbury

In the last six weeks, there have been five school threats investigated by the Greater Sudbury Police Service. All turned out to be unfounded.

While publicly announcing these incidents can lead to more threats, police officials insist public safety and transparency are top priorities.

In the last six weeks, all four school boards have been affected by the fake threats, with one elementary school and four secondary schools being impacted.

Police spokesperson Kaitlyn Dunn said that, in four of the five incidents, the individuals believed to be responsible have been identified.

“There are definitely some serious consequences with these incidents,” Dunn said.

“Three of the youth have been charged. Two of them have been referred to a diversion program and one of them will be attending court. So this not only has an impact on the recreational activities, the potential to be suspended or expelled, but it also has criminal implications and can really impact their future.”

In a statement, the Rainbow District School Board said they also take these cases very seriously.

“We remind students that any comments that may undermine the safety of the school, regardless of the context, will be taken seriously,” the statement said.

“Any individual who poses a potential threat to our school community will be held accountable in accordance with our code of conduct. Safety, as always, is our first and foremost priority.”

While publicizing what turned out to be fake threats can lead to even more fake threats, Dunn said being open with parents and the public is important.

“We have a responsibility to our community to provide that information and to allow parents to make an informed decision when it comes to their children,” she said.

“The safety of their children is their top priority. It's our top priority and we really have to make sure that staff, students and children are aware that we take these matters very seriously and they will be investigated to the full extent of our capabilities.”

Based on the investigations thus far, Dunn said there doesn’t appear to be a connection between the incidents.

In each case, a written message was found in the school bathroom warning of a threat or shooting at the school.

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