Modesto area schools found themselves at the center of anxiety and vigilance Today, due to threats of school shootings circulating on social media. The Modesto Police Department, responding to concerns from parents and the community, issued a statement earlier today stating their awareness of the threats and the actions they're taking to address the situation. According to a post on the Modesto Police Department's Facebook page, although they believe these threats to be specific to areas outside of Modesto, they are not taking any chances with student safety.
With the specter of school violence ever-present in the public consciousness, it's not surprising to quickly see an increased law enforcement presence in and around school grounds. "You will see an increased police presence at our schools today to ensure the safety and security of our students and staff," a statement obtained by the Modesto Police Department. While police have not found a credible threat to schools in the Modesto area, they are taking steps to swiftly ensure that everyone can feel at least somewhat more secure under their watch.
Ensuring the safety of students is a responsibility the Modesto Police Department is keenly aware of. In their announcement, they stated, "Student safety is our top priority." This prioritization comes amidst growing concerns about school security around the country following some high-profile incidents involving gun violence on school campuses. The statement from the Modesto Police Department's Facebook page included a call to action for residents, "Please stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the Modesto Police Department immediately."
