PITTSFIELD, Mass. (NEWS10) -- The Pittsfield Police Department has announced that several juveniles have been charged with criminal offenses at Berkshire Juvenile Court following reports of online posts and conversations involving possible threats to schools. Police say others are expected to be charged as the investigation progresses.
The police department reports that the possible threatening posts were made on various social media platforms, including Snapchat, TikTok, and Discord. According to law enforcement, the investigation has not yielded any information regarding specific plans to target any particular school.
Police ask parents and guardians to have conversations with their children about the serious consequences of online posting. The police department says there is a thin line between freedom of speech and threatening language and if a child posts something that causes alarm or panic then it will investigate the matter and take appropriate action.
"The Pittsfield Public Schools takes a proactive approach to safety and security. We work closely with the Pittsfield Police Department and school safety experts to constantly review and enhance our security protocols. Regular safety drills, secure entry points, and increased vigilance are just a few of the measures we have in place. We also encourage open communication—if you see something, say something. Our collective awareness and action are key to keeping our schools safe," said Joseph Curtis, the Superintendent of Pittsfield Public Schools.
Anyone who sees anything suspicious should report it to the proper authorities. The Pittsfield Police Department can be reached at (413) 448-9700, or 911 if it is an emergency. Information can also be provided anonymously by dialing (413) 448-9706 or by texting PITTIP to 847411.
