Citrus County Schools

1. How is a school threat handled and who investigates it?

In Florida, every threat made toward a school is taken seriously and handled through a structured, multi-agency process designed to keep students and staff safe.

1. Immediate Safety First- when a threat is reported, whether by a student, parent, staff member, or through an anonymous tip- the school takes immediate steps to ensure safety.  This may include notifying school administration, securing the campus, and contacting additional law enforcement response if needed.

2. Threat Management Process- Florida law requires every school to have a trained threat management team.  These teams follow guidelines established by the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission.  The team typically includes school administrators, law enforcement officers (School Resource Officer), mental health professionals, and other trained school staff such as ESE Specialists, Behavioral Specialists, Teachers on Special Assignment, Deans, etc.  Their role is to evaluate the credibility and severity of the threat, determine if it is serious and decide on appropriate actions.

3. Law Enforcement Investigation- law enforcement play a key role in every threat.  We partner with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office to investigate where the threat originated, whether the individual has the means or intent to carry it out, and any potential criminal violations.  If a crime has been committed, charges may be filed under Florida law.

4. Student Support & Interventions- If the threat involves a student, our response is not only disciplinary action- we look at how we can support the student.  Schools may conduct behavioral and mental health assessments, develop intervention plans, or connect the student and family with counseling or services.  The goal is to address the root cause of the behavior and prevent escalation.

5. Ongoing Monitoring & Communication- threat management teams continue to monitor the situation until it is resolved.  Schools communicate with families as appropriate, while also protecting student privacy.

2. How will I know if my child’s school is under a potential threat?

Messages will be sent via phone/text/email to notify parents if their campus is placed under cautionary lockdown or lockdown.  All relevant information will be shared as it is obtained and available to share.

3. What is the difference between an ALICE Lockdown and a Cautionary Lockdown?

While both types of lockdowns are used to protect students and staff, they are implemented for very different reasons and involve different levels of response.

1. ALICE Lockdown- used during a confirmed, immediate threat inside the school, such as an active assailant.  This is an enhanced lockdown, meaning it goes beyond simply locking doors.  The focus is on buying time and increasing safety when evacuation is not possible.  During an ALICE lockdown, staff and students may:
   1. Secure and barricade doors
   2. Turn off lights and remain out of sight in a safe area
   3. Spread out within the room
   4. Stay prepared to make additional decisions, such as evacuating if an opportunity arises or countering if necessary.

2. Cautionary Lockdown- used when there is a potential or nearby concern, but no confirmed immediate threat inside the school.  This is a preventative measure designed to keep the campus secure while allowing learning to continue as normally as possible.  During a cautionary lockdown:
   1. Exterior doors are secured and monitored
   2. Interior classroom doors are locked
   3. Movement around campus is limited or controlled
   4. Instruction typically continues inside classrooms

4. Do schools practice different emergency scenarios?

Yes, throughout the school year, schools practice various drills related to active assailants, fires, weather emergencies and medical emergencies.

5. How does a parent, student, or community member report a potential threat?

Potential threats can be reported directly to law enforcement, a school administrator, or through FortifyFL at FortifyFL  https://getfortifyfl.com/

6. If a student is arrested for making a threat against a school, will they be placed back in a Citrus County School?

While each individual case is different, and student specific information is protected by FERPA, Citrus County School District does take threats seriously and will work with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office to hold students accountable for their actions.  If a student is arrested for making a threat, and consequently charged with a crime, the school will follow the student code of conduct and school board policy.