In response to a recent increase in false school shooting threats, Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood in Florida is taking a new approach to address the issue. He has begun posting the mugshots of offenders, particularly students, on social media in an effort to hold individuals accountable and deter further hoaxes. Chitwood expressed frustration with parents not taking responsibility for their children’s actions and is taking matters into his own hands by publicly shaming those arrested for making threats.
Chitwood, who has a decorated law enforcement background, highlighted the arrest of an 11-year-old boy for allegedly threatening a school shooting at two middle schools in Volusia County. The sheriff posted the boy’s name and mugshot on Facebook, along with a video showcasing the items confiscated from the boy, including airsoft guns, knives, and swords.
The video received significant attention on social media, with some residents praising Chitwood for his actions, while others questioned the decision to publicly shame the young child. Under Florida law, juvenile court records are typically exempt from public release, but in cases involving felony charges, like this one, information can be made public.
Law enforcement officials across Florida have been dealing with a rise in false threats since the start of the school year, with arrests being made in various counties. Sheriff Chitwood and others have emphasized the seriousness of these threats, urging parents and students to take the matter seriously and not treat it as a joke.
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