Full Notification

ADVISORY: Think Before You Post: Serious Consequences for Fake Threats

In the aftermath of tragic shootings, there is often an increase in hoax threats to schools. Safety is paramount for our students, and our station’s detectives and deputies respond to each and every threat they are made aware of, conducting a thorough assessment.

These threats—often posted on social media or as an insensitive casual remark verbally made to a fellow student—are taken very seriously. Hoax threats are no joking matter, and they can have devastating consequences—both for our community members and for the perpetrators. They can cause severe anxiety to students and parents, and by making thoughtless remarks or posting pictures implying violence on social media, young people risk starting out their adulthood with a criminal record, and being labeled a felon.

“We take each threat seriously. We investigate and complete a thorough assessment to determine its credibility,” said SCV Sheriff’s COBRA Sergeant Brian Shreves. “Detectives spend countless hours conducting interviews, doing extensive research, meeting with school administrators and doing home checks.”

Over the last week, station COBRA detectives completed over two dozen threat assessments. Three Santa Clarita students, from elementary to high school-aged kids, were detained on criminal charges. Two other Santa Clarita students were referred to appropriate resources. 

What Should I Do?

If you see a threat of violence directed towards our schools posted on social media, contact the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station at 661-255-1121.

Notify us but don’t share or forward the threat until our detectives have had a chance to investigate—this can spread misinformation and cause panic.

If you are a parent, talk to your child about the importance of responsible social media use and the consequences of posting hoax threats.

Forwarded by: Shirley Miller, Public Information Officer 
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department  
Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station  
(661) 255-1121 Ext. 5804 
E-mail: [email protected]

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Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station polices the City of Santa Clarita and the unincorporated communities and a portion of the Angeles National Forest, as well as Bouquet Canyon, Canyon Country, Castaic, Gorman, Hasley Canyon, Newhall, Neenach, Sand Canyon, Santa Clarita, Saugus, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Sleepy Valley, Southern Oaks, Stevenson Ranch, Sunset Point, Tesoro del Valle, Valencia, Val Verde, West Hills and West Ranch. 

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LA Crime Stoppers: Partner to prevent or report crime by contacting your local Sheriff’s station. Or if you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing 1-(800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org . 

Alex Villanueva, Sheriff 
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department