Joint Statement from FCPS and Fairfax County Police Department

December 10, 2024

Dear FCPS Community, 

Schools across the country and here in Northern Virginia continue to experience a significant number of fake social media threats that can cause fear and distract students and educators from our mission.

In our County, we are grateful for the close working partnership that exists between FCPS and the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD). FCPD’s Threat Assessment Management Unit (TAM), a new and industry-leading specialty unit, responds and fully investigates each time schools report a threat.

As County leaders, let us be clear that we will work quickly to identify those who make these threats. If identified, these individuals face serious consequences including the very real possibility of criminal charges. What may be regarded as a joke, can damage a young person’s future. 

Today, we are asking for the help of our community so our educators can focus on the business of educating our children, and our police officers can focus on keeping our community safe. Please have a conversation with your child about making good decisions around the use of social media. Know what social media accounts your child has set up, what platforms they are using, what they are posting, especially on SnapChat, TikTok, and Instagram. Remind them that if they see something, it is their responsibility to say something whether that be to a trusted adult or through the anonymous FCPS tipline or by calling 911.

Our schools are at the heart of our communities, and we have a shared interest in their safety and success. Together, all things are possible.

Sincerely,

Dr. Michelle C. Reid       Chief Kevin Davis
Superintendent             Fairfax County Police Department