TROUP COUNTY, Ga. — Something unprecedented is happening in school districts across north Georgia following what’s considered one of, if not the deadliest school shootings in Georgia’s history.
Almost every day since the shooting inside Apalachee High School on September 4, law enforcement agencies have announced the arrest of multiple students tied to school threats.
The Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) confirmed to 11Alive this week that in the 48 hours following the school shooting in Winder, 24 teenagers were booked into their detention facilities. Those facilities are Metro, Gainesville, Martha Glaze, DeKalb and Rockdale.
Many of the close to three dozen arrests include the charge of terroristic threat, which is a felony in Georgia.
On Wednesday evening, following several recent school threats, the Troup County School System held a joint news conference with law enforcement officials inside LaGrange High School.
Dr. Rachel B. Hazel, who just took over as the superintendent of the Troup County School System on July 1, said it is important to be transparent about what’s happening in their school system with these threats.
“Last week we watched our worst fears in Barrow County,” Dr. Hazel explained.
Dr. Hazel knows there is no district in the country immune to the fears of violence.
She added, “Since last week our own school family has been impacted by four separate threats of violence against our schools.”
She explained their school staff, along with local law enforcement, worked fast to track down the threats and make at least one arrest so far.
Dr. Hazel pointed out that the fourth threat she mentioned is still being investigated.
While the news conference was a chance to address the school threats, it was also an opportunity for law enforcement across Troup County to speak directly to their community.
“It’s a shame that this is taking place, and we certainly hate it that they’re continuing to do this,” said Troup County Sheriff James Woodruff.
Sheriff Woodruff admitted what they’re seeing with so many threats and students being arrested is unprecedented.
“I guess the kids don’t think it’s serious, I don’t know what it is, I guess they think it’s a game or it’s funny to scare somebody but it’s very serious and they’re going to know that when it’s time to punish them for what they’re doing,” Sheriff Woodruff said.
The sheriff wasn’t alone. Troup County Schools Security Director, LaGrange Police Chief Garrett Fiveash along with officers from Hoganville and West Point Police Departments attended the news conference.
Police Chief Fiveash reiterated that parents must do their part as well when it comes to keeping their kids and communities safe.
“How about getting in your kids’ business a little bit?” he questioned.
Chief Fiveash said when it comes to your children’s electronics, especially their cell phones, you need to know what they’re looking up and what they’re sharing on social media platforms.
“You’re paying for it, I don’t think anybody in the fourth, fifth or sixth grade are paying the cell phone bill, so if you’re paying for it take it out of their hand and look at what they’re looking for,” Chief Fiveash said.
He said it’s not just about talking to your children.
“Take an interest, let your kids know you are paying attention,” Chief Fiveash explained.
Chief Fiveash along with Sheriff Woodruff said they will track down the origin of every threat and make sure the person is prosecuted to the full extent possible.
“So many copycats out there, they don’t realize how serious it is, how scary it is for these students, parents and grandparents,” Sheriff Woodruff said.
As far as safety precautions are concerned, Dr. Hazel reminded parents and the community that metal detectors are utilized at each middle and high school for all people (including students) who enter the campus. Doors, including interior doors, are expected to be always locked.
Also, just as in Barrow County, staff members have been issued Centigex badges to use in an emergency.
Most importantly, not just in Troup County but anywhere, ‘If you see something, say something.”