How Slamming Incidents Affect Miami Valley Schools

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — After two more Miami Valley high schools were placed on alert by false calls with threats of an active shooter, school safety experts are discussing the impact of false calls on neighborhoods and communities.

Law enforcement is investigating slams at Thurgood Marshall High School in Dayton and Kenton Ridge High School in Clark County. Swotting is a fake call that gets a lot of law enforcement backlash.

The mother of two Kenton Ridge students said it was an emotional drive to the school when she heard about the threat.

“They called me at work and said that I was shooting, so of course I left and came right here,” Conwell said.

School Safety Network Program Director for Educators Dr. Amy Klinger said the slapping puts a significant strain on law enforcement, school districts, and especially students and their families.

“These specific takeover activities are really targeting a few schools,” Klinger said. “They are trying to crush the system. They are trying to consume all these resources. And I think probably the most important and most dangerous is that they are trying to create the belief that our schools are dangerous.”

Klinger said more than 350 jackhammer calls were received across the country last fall.

Gov. Mike DeWine is pursuing the goal of “swapping” by signing the No Slamming Act, effective April 3, making slamming a felony.

Klinger said the law is just one way to prevent threats in schools.

“We have to de-stimulate, we have to dissuade people from doing what is causing all these really terrible consequences in the first place,” Klinger said.

On Tuesday, an FBI spokesperson released a statement addressing the multiple incidents that took place on Thursday:

“The FBI is aware of numerous swab incidents that report on an active shooter at a school. The FBI takes spanking very seriously because it puts innocent people at risk. While we do not have information that points to a specific and credible threat, we will continue to work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to collect, share, and take action on threat information as it comes to our attention. We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity and/or individual to law enforcement immediately.

With the increased focus on breaker calls, districts need to balance being proactive and reactive to keep their students and buildings safe, Klinger said.

“We really need to keep expanding our views on safety in schools and not let it be the only thing we think about,” Klinger said.

The School Safety Network for Educators offers a free, grant-funded school safety course for anyone who wants to learn more about the different ways to keep schools safe.

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