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Scituate officials call threat to nearby schools "noncredible"; visible patrols planned for next day
Summary
Scituate police told the council that an online threat originating outside Rhode Island mentioned multiple communities; the department, coordinating with Middletown PD and the state fusion center, labeled it noncredible and will add visible patrols at school arrival and dismissal to reassure parents.
A senior Scituate police official told the Town Council that an online threat originating in North Carolina had referenced schools in multiple communities, including Middletown and listings that mentioned Scituate. The department, working with the Rhode Island State Police Fusion Center and Middletown Police, described the message as a "noncredible threat" based on investigations and corroboration with Middletown officials.
The official said investigators found nothing in the fusion center's searches to substantiate the claim and that local chiefs and the deputy chief had been in contact throughout the day. To ease parental concerns the town will deploy visible patrols at school arrival and dismissal times the next day. The official emphasized: "I don't believe everything you read on Facebook," and urged residents to rely on official communications from the department and the school superintendent.
Council members asked practical security questions; one suggested using the school resource officer to check weak points such as unsecured doors. The police official said physical presence and increased checks by patrol officers would be the most appropriate immediate response and that law enforcement training and SRO coordination continues. The department also noted it is pursuing FAA drone pilot certification for three officers to expand future capability but stated that a drone is not the primary response for the immediate threat.
