Press Release | North Platte Police Department
North Platte, Nebraska At approximately 9:29 a.m. today, the North Platte Police Department received a telephone call reporting a possible explosive device and an assailant outside North Platte High School.
The North Platte Police Department immediately notified North Platte Public Schools. In response, North Platte High School initiated its emergency procedures and placed students into a HOLD in accordance with the Standard Response Protocol (SRP).
As an additional precaution, the North Platte Police Department placed Washington Elementary School and Cody Elementary School into a SECURE while officers responded to the high school.
North Platte Police officers responded to North Platte High School and, with assistance from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, secured the perimeter of the school. Officers immediately began investigating the reported threat and coordinated closely with North Platte High School administration and staff throughout the response.
A search of the school property was conducted, and officers found no threat to students, staff, or the school facility. After determining that the school was safe, the North Platte Police Department released the school back to North Platte Public Schools, and the HOLD was lifted.
As the investigation continued, officers determined that the reported threat was similar in nature to swatting and hoax threats that have recently occurred in communities throughout Nebraska and across the nation. The investigation determined there was no credible threat to North Platte High School.
The North Platte Police Department emphasizes that all reports involving potential violence or threats to schools are taken seriously. While swatting and hoax calls have become increasingly common, these incidents do not change the department's approach to public safety. Officers will continue to respond promptly and thoroughly to every report to ensure the safety of students, staff, and the community.
The North Platte Police Department appreciates the quick communication, cooperation, and partnership demonstrated by North Platte Public Schools, its administration, students, and staff throughout today's incident. The department's School Resource Officers maintain a strong presence within North Platte Public Schools and work closely with school personnel to promote student safety, strengthen communication, and build positive relationships with students and staff.
The safety of our students and school personnel remains our highest priority. The North Platte Police Department will continue working closely with North Platte Public Schools and other community partners to maintain and strengthen school safety protocols.
The investigation into today's incident remains ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this incident or information concerning the safety of students or staff is encouraged to contact the North Platte Police Department.