The Rio Rancho Police Department are planning to beef up security at Rio Rancho High School after some recent threats over social media, according to a spokesman.
Captain Ron Vigil said the threats were posted to the social media app Snap Chat Tuesday and police are investigating.
“We want to reassure the students and parents that there will an increased presence at the high schools during this investigation,” Vigil said.
Rio Rancho Public Schools Superintendent V. Sue Cleveland released a statement to parents Tuesday addressing the threats.
“We are taking this report very seriously,” Cleveland said. “We appreciate the many reports, screenshots and emails we have received from concerned parents, students, staff members and community members.”
In the statement, Cleveland said students will be seeing more officers, from both Rio Rancho Police officers and Rio Rancho Public Schools Safety and Security Department, at the school Wednesday in addition to other precautions.
“Schools across the nation and state are receiving similar threats with the intent to create chaos,” she said. “It is appalling that individuals would capitalize on recent tragedies to (incite) fear and anxiety among students and parents.”
Cleveland pointed out that law enforcement take threats very seriously and said police can pursue prosecution even when such threats are intended as pranks.
“Please make sure your child is aware of these ramifications and that he or she understands threats related to campus safety will not be tolerated,” she said.
Both Cleveland and the Rio Rancho Police Department asked anyone with information or tips about the threats to call the Regional Communications Center at 505-891-7226.
