Due to the increased volume of school threats being made online and through social media platforms, Tennessee Sheriffs, The Overton County Seriff's Department, and Overton County Schools feel it is imperative to release the following joint statement:
One of the main goals of an Elected Sheriff is to provide quality public safety and ensure citizens feel secure in their surroundings. With the increased volume of school threats being made across the state of Tennessee, we want parents, students, and citizens to know that we will not tolerate anyone making threats and inciting fear within our schools and community. Those responsible will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Making threats of violence against a school is a class E felony offense TCA 38-16-517, which carries life altering consequences.
We urge parents to monitor what their child is posting on social media platforms and to talk to them about the seriousness of making or even sharing threatening posts. As always, we continue to urge the community to report anything suspicious or potentially threatening in nature toward schools or any public building. We understand the frustration, stress, and fear communities across our state are dealing with, and we will continue to investigate every threat received in an effort to ensure the safety of our schools and all citizens.