EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – Las Cruces Police Department (LCPD) and Las Cruces Public Schools (LCPS) are reminding students of the consequences of making, posting or sharing threats of shootings, according to a news release sent by LCPD.
As we previously reported, three Las Cruces students were charged earlier this month for posting threats to their social media accounts.
The students charged were ages 11, 13 and 15.
LCPD said the department is committed to investigating every threat made to a school and will continue collaborating with public school officials to help ensure the safety and security of students, faculty and staff.
“Our district is grateful for the partnership with the Las Cruces Police Department to keep our students and staff safe,” said LCPS Superintendent Ignacio Ruiz. “We encourage students to utilize all resources for reporting crime such as telling an adult, calling 911 or by downloading the STOPit app.”
The STOPit app is free and can be downloaded to most devices. It allows students to submit a report on illegal or suspicious activity and remain anonymous, according to LCPD.
In New Mexico, it is considered a crime to make any kind of threat to shoot or take a firearm to a school or public building; place any person or group in fear of great bodily harm; prevent or interrupt the occupation or use of a public building; or causing law enforcement to respond to an emergency, according to LCPD.
LCPD said it is also against the law to interfere with staff or employees of any public building, including schools.
State statute 30-20-13 specifically says, “No person shall willfully interfere with the educational process of any public or private school by committing, threatening to commit or inciting others to commit any act which would disrupt, impair, interfere with or obstruct the lawful mission, processes, procedures or functions of a public or private school.”
In addition, making or verbalizing a bomb scare is also against the law and is considered a felony offense, according to LCPD.
LCPS also investigates such threats and can suspend or expel a student who is suspected of making or posting a threat, according to the news release.
“Anyone who sees or receives a threatening post is asked to refrain from forwarding it to others, or reposting it, as doing so can cause unnecessary fear and widespread panic,” read the news release.
Police encourage anyone who sees or receives information that is believed to be threatening to screen-save the content and immediately alert law enforcement by calling 911.
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