NORFOLK, Va. — All schools in Hampton Roads have welcomed students back from summer break, and while it’s an exciting time, it can also be nerve-wracking.
On Wednesday, two students and two teachers were killed at Apalachee High School in Georgia. Nine others were injured.
Norfolk Public Schools (NPS) put some of its own safety protocols into action on Monday after a teen reportedly posted a threat against Maury High School on social media. The threat turned out to be unsubstantiated.
“These are things that are very serious. This is not a game,” said David Hughes. He’s NPS’ director of public safety and security. On the alleged threat made, “There were several principals, several folks associated with the schools that were aware of it, as well as the police department,” explained Hughes. “The police department investigated and developed a suspect.”
Hughes has worked in law enforcement for nearly 40 years and says the emphasis on school safety has changed drastically.
“[In the past,] with very little resistance you’d be able to walk in,” Hughes explained. “These days, you sign in, you show ID, you’re buzzed in, you don’t necessarily have the ability to walk into a classroom.”
He also said the law enforcement approach in an active shooter situation has shifted.
“You’d set up the perimeter and wait for the specialty teams, such as SWAT, to respond," he said of the past. "Anytime there’s an active shooter now, there’s going to be some type of instant response.”
NPS uses Vector Alert, a K-12 reporting system where students, staff and parents can make anonymous tips about bullying, mental health concerns, threats of violence and more.
“There are systems that they can use if they feel they need to talk to someone,” said Hughes.
The 16-year-old who police say posted the threat now faces a charge of threatening to bomb or damage buildings.
The NPS website directs people to call 757-255-7461 or email 2110@alert1.us if they have a safety concern. More information on Vector Alert is available here.