The La Porte County Sheriff's Office is issuing safety tips and assurance in response to a recent rash of school threats locally and throughout the state.

 

 

SCHOOL SAFETY

 

The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) has a longstanding partnership with the La Porte Community School Corporation, New Prairie United School Corporation, South Central Community School Corporation, MSD of New Durham Township School Corporation, and the Tri-Township Consolidated School Corporation.  These partnerships have grown over the years where deputies now serve as full time school resource officers (SROs) and several others as part-time SROs.  The need for these partnerships and SROs has never been as important as they are now with school corporations across the state and locally experiencing school threats.      

 

Over the past couple weeks, school corporations throughout La Porte County have experienced safety threats ranging in various types and degree.  As a result, this communication is a unified message led by the agency and in conjunction with the aforementioned school district superintendents.

 

ZERO-TOLERANCE POLICY

 

The LCSO has implemented a zero-tolerance policy regarding any form of a school related threat.  Any individual found to be making a threat (s), even if intended as a joke, will face severe consequences, including criminal charges and school expulsion.

 

Sheriff Ronald C. Heeg stated, “I, along with our school district superintendents, will not tolerate anyone who is found to have made or shared a school related threat.  The zero-tolerance policy will be strictly adhered to in all cases when a school corporation is impacted, and the learning environment has been disrupted.  Any and all individuals who make, post or spread such threats will be held accountable for their actions.”

 

OUR COMMITMENT TO SAFETY

 

Our highest priority is the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and community members.  We assure you that these matters are being taken very seriously and everyone is working together to implement and enhance safety measures across all our schools. These efforts are a part of our ongoing commitment to creating the safest possible environment.

 

TIPS FOR PARENTS ON SOCIAL MEDIA MONITORING & ONLINE SAFETY

 

Parents are encouraged to take an active role in their children's online activities:

• Regularly monitor your child's social media accounts and online interactions.
• Have open conversations about responsible social media use and the consequences of inappropriate behavior online.
• Set privacy settings on social media accounts to restrict access to trusted individuals.
• Encourage your children to think critically about the content they consume and share online.
• Familiarize yourself with the apps and platforms your children are using.

 

REPORTING CONCERNS

 

If you or your child see or hear anything concerning, please report it to school authorities or the Sheriff’s Office immediately.  DO NOT share or repost threats or rumors on social media, as this can cause unnecessary panic and hinder investigations.

 

To report concerns:

• During school hours: Contact your child's school administration.
• After hours or on weekends:  Call the LCSO – (219) 326-7700.
• For immediate emergencies: Dial 911

 

By working together, we can ensure a safe and positive learning environment for all students across La Porte County.