Bomb threats at high school

Yet another bomb threat was made at Pike County High School Monday morning and school officials are offering a $500 reward for information that leads to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for the threats. A bomb threat was made at PCHS Friday afternoon and several bomb threats have been made over the last month, according to sheriff’s office investigators. There have also been multiple bomb threats at Upson-Lee High School, with three threats made there this week. Pike Sheriff’s Office investigator Maj. David Neal said there is an investigation ongoing as to the source of the calls. ”We take these types of threats very seriously,” he said. “There are numerous felony charges that could be pressed against the individual or individuals responsible. The sheriff’s office and school system are working diligently together to identify the person or persons responsible.” Maj. Neal couldn’t comment on school and sheriff’s office reactions as that could compromise security procedures in the future. School superintendent Dr. Michael Duncan said security is a serious issue for the entire school system. ”The safety of the children in our care each day is priority number one. The school district’s safety plan establishes protocols for a wide array of emergency situations,” said Dr. Duncan. “The Pike County Sheriff’s Department, along with a host of other emergency response agencies, assist in the development and implementation of the School District’s safety plan. In the event a safety issue arises, the appropriate response agency is contacted and designated protocols are followed. In the very rare event a credible safety issue arises, the District may utilize one of many communication methods to alert parents, including but not limited to letter, e-mail, text, phone, and social media.”In the past year, Pike County schools have added additional school resource officers and additional access control at the primary and elementary levels. ”The School District enjoys a supportive and highly responsive relationship with the Sheriff’s Department and the local EMA, which has afforded us the opportunity to conduct mock drills and enhance the District’s emergency response procedures,” said Dr. Duncan.