North Platte High School was placed in a “hold” status for an hour Tuesday morning, with students confined to classrooms, in response to a fake bomb threat.

Police Sgt. J. Johnson said the department got a call at 9:29 a.m. about an explosive device and assailant outside the high school. The North Platte Public Schools were immediately notified.

In response, NPHS initiated its emergency procedures and placed students into a “hold,” in accordance with a standard response protocol. Students are trained to clear the hallways and remain in their rooms. Exterior doors are locked and students and adults are accounted for.

Police, with assistance from the Lincoln County sheriff’s office, secured the perimeter of the school and began investigating the reported threat, coordinated with school administration and staff.

As a precaution, police also placed Washington Elementary and Cody Elementary School into a “secure” classification, with everyone inside and the exterior doors locked.

The high school was searched, no threat was found to students, staff, or the facility. After determining that the school was safe, police released the school back to school district and the hold was lifted.

Johnson said the reported threat is similar in nature to swatting and hoax threats that have occurred in communities throughout Nebraska and across the nation. Investigators determined there was no credible threat to North Platte High.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this incident or information concerning the safety of students or staff is encouraged to contact the police department at 308-535-6789. Anonymous information can be given by calling 534-8400 or online at www.lincolncountycrimstoppers.com, Johnson said.

Threats taken seriously

Johnson added that police take all reports involving potential violence or threats to schools seriously. Although swatting and hoax calls have become more common, that does not change the department’s approach to public safety. Officers will continue to respond promptly and thoroughly to every report to ensure public safety.

School Resource police officers maintain a presence within NPPS and work closely with the staff.

In prioritizing safety, NPPD will continue working closely with schools and other community partners to maintain and strengthen school safety protocols, Johnson said.

The public schools’ standard response protocol when dealing with potentially dangerous conditions:

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