Andover Public Schools have yet to receive hoax calls warning of an armed intruder that have been placed to more than 15 Massachusetts high schools in a two-day span.
A joint statement from Superintendent Magda Parvey, Andover Police Chief Patrick Keefe and Andover Fire Rescue Chief Michael Mansfield sent to parents Wednesday said officials “are prepared to respond to our schools and implement emergency protocols in case we do receive this type of call.”
In such situations, schools are put in a “shelter-in-place” and no one is allowed to enter or leave the building. All students and staff receive ALICE safety training at the beginning of each school year. Andover High School Principal Caitlin Brown reviewed best practices for such situations with staff on Wednesday morning.
“We know that for those receiving these types of notifications, it can be unsettling, worrisome, and puts us all on edge,” the statement (below) said. We are hopeful that sharing this information in advance will reassure you that we are prepared to respond as necessary to ensure the safety of our community.
The so-called “swatting hoax” has become increasingly popular and aimed at bringing a large, armed response to schools. Massachusetts State Police and local law enforcement continue to investigate the recent rash of hoax calls.
Complete Statement On Hoax Calls To Andover Public Schools’ Families
Dear APS families and staff,
In recent days, many districts and police departments across Massachusetts and the country have been subjected to hoax calls of an armed intruder at high schools. Andover has so far been spared this situation. We want to assure our families that Andover Police, Andover Fire Rescue and the district are prepared to respond to our schools and to implement emergency protocols in case we do receive this type of call.
If this unfortunate situation does occur, students and staff will be placed in shelter-in-place, and no one will be allowed to enter or leave the building until law enforcement determines whether the call is a hoax commonly known as “swatting.” All APS schools had ALICE safety training at the beginning of the school year and we are prepared at all schools to respond accordingly. Andover High School Principal Brown reminded our AHS staff this morning of best practices in case this situation does occur.
We know that for those receiving these types of notifications, it can be unsettling, worrisome, and puts us all on edge. We are hopeful that sharing this information in advance will reassure you that we are prepared to respond as necessary to ensure the safety of our community.
Dr. Magda Parvey, Superintendent
Chief Patrick Keefe, Andover Police Department
Chief Michael Mansfield, Andover Fire Rescue