HomeMy WebLinkAboutNR102519StatementfromKPDChiefToddRaybuckonrecentschoolthreatsTHE COUNTY OF KAUA'I
DEREK S. K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
mqa MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
C OF
News Release
For Immediate Release: October 25, 2019
KAUA`I POLICE DEPARTMENT
TODD G. RAYBUCK, CHIEF
Tel (808) 241-1600
Fax (808) 241-1604
Statement from KPD Chief Todd Raybuck on recent school threats
LIHU`E — In an effort to address community concerns, Kauai Police Chief Todd Raybuck
today issued the following statement.
"In light of the recent threats made toward Kaua`i's public schools, the Kauai Police
Department (KPD) recognizes the need for officials to work together in establishing revised
assessments and procedures for responding to school threats.
"Lockdowns and evacuations are appropriate protocols for active and imminent threats.
While we must continue to take all threats seriously, we also recognize that not all threats are
legitimate and continuing school lockdowns for unconfirmed threats can have a negative and
lasting impact on students, parents, and the community.
"For these reasons, we are encouraging school officials to work together with KPD in
establishing revised procedures that follow a criteria -based response to threats. By
incorporating an additional procedural assessment for unconfirmed and non -credible threats,
our department believes it will lessen the psychological and emotional impact of those involved.
"We understand this has been a very trying time for our community and we sincerely
empathize with all who are struggling in the aftermath of these recent events. Please be
assured that KPD's investigations have verified there were no imminent threats to the safety
and security of students and faculty at any time during those events.
"Additionally, individuals identified in these incidents are being held accountable when it
is appropriate as each investigation continues. However, we ask the public for their
understanding that KPD cannot divulge the details of any information and consequences
pertaining to juveniles.
"Lastly, while we as officials can make every attempt to improve our response to threats
as they occur, we ultimately need the community's help. We strongly urge all parents and
guardians to take this opportunity to talk to their children about the seriousness of making
threats against another person or school. Terroristic threatening of any degree is a very serious
crime that carries serious consequences. Please talk to your children about these
consequences, and contact a school official if you have any concerns about your child's
welfare."