EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – The El Paso County Attorney’s Office is emphasizing that false threats against schools will carry “significant legal consequences,” the Attorney’s Office announced in a news release Wednesday, Sept. 4.
The announcement comes in response to recent trends shown below:
The Attorney’s Office said between Jan. and Dec. 2023, an average of 1.4 referrals per month were received for false alarms or reports made by juveniles.
These referrals, which involve minors under the age of 17, were reported to law enforcement. Of the 17 referrals, 15 resulted in delinquency petitions filed with the juvenile court, legal documents outlining the offense a minor is accused of committing, according to the Attorney’s Office.
The trend continues in 2024, with an average of 1.3 referrals per month from Jan. to Aug., indicating that this issue persists.
“The safety and security of our schools is our top priority,” stated El Paso County Attorney Christina Sanchez. “We thoroughly review every case presented and will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.”
In 2023, 10 of the juvenile referrals led to adjudications, a court decision that finds a minor has committed a crime, according to the Attorney’s Office.
The Attorney’s Office said consequences of adjudication can include probation, placement in a juvenile detention facility, or even removal from the home.
Additionally, two cases were resolved through Deferred Prosecution Programs, allowing defendants to meet certain conditions in exchange for the dismissal of charges.
“Under Texas Penal Code Section 42.06, knowingly making a false alarm report of an emergency, such as a bomb or fire threat, is a serious crime. When such false reports involve a school, it is classified as a state jail felony. These false alarm threats not only cause emotional distress to students, parents, and staff but also divert valuable emergency resources away from real crises,” read the news release.
The Attorney’s Office partners closely with schools to educate students on the serious consequences of making false alarm threats. It also provides training for law enforcement, including school district police, on proper procedures for investigating these cases, according to the news release.
“Representatives from the Juvenile Prosecution Unit regularly attend bi-monthly school threat assessment meetings to ensure proactive engagement. These efforts highlight the long-term consequences false alarm threats can have on a juvenile’s education and future opportunities,” read the news release.
On Monday, Sept. 23 the Attorney’s Office will hold a three-day training for law enforcement addressing areas of law prosecuted by this office, including juvenile cases.
The Attorney’s Office is urging parents to speak with their children about the gravity of making false alarm threats and the significant consequences that can follow.
“Our goal is to hold individuals accountable while working to prevent future incidents,” said Sanchez. “False alarm threats are a crime and will be prosecuted accordingly. Parents are encouraged to help their children understand the serious nature of these actions and the repercussions they can face.”
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