Update: Police Explain Hope High School Lockdown Scare
By: KARK 4 News
Updated: February 7, 2013
Update (February 7):
The Hope Police Department is releasing an explanation for what happened Tuesday in the lockdown scare at Hope High School.
Here's more in a news release out today:
On Wednesday February 6, 2013, Detectives of the Hope Police Department in conjunction with UACCH Police identified the person of interest that attempted to enter the New Tech Building of the Hope High School Campus February 5 at approximately 10 AM.
Logical investigation conducted suggested no criminal act occurred nor was criminal intent believed to be present.
Assistant Chief Tomlin stated, "It seems that the individual in question, who was from out of town, was scheduled to attend a workshop on the UACCH campus at 10 AM. He was not able to locate the College campus and stopped to obtain directions. UACCH Officers confirmed that this person attended the workshop."
Chief JR Wilson stated, "I want to thank the young people that observed this event and passed on information they genuinely believed to be accurate and occurring at the time. This is exactly what they should have done. Notifying Police early of potentially threatening events is very important. This affords police the best opportunity to conduct successful emergency response and prevent problems."
"It is important that our young people understand that it is not atypical for human beings to misperceive events. Generally, Police can logically identify and weight misperception based on a careful analysis of all information predicated on a robust investigative process. The problem that arises in potentially serious rapidly evolving situations is that Police resources must first be dedicated to emergency response and a community care taking function whereby threats are abated as quickly as possible and systems are returned to normal function. Deployment of more sophisticated investigative techniques is a secondary priority occurring when control is accomplished and safety is ensured. Both statutory law and courts grant Police great latitude to ensure the safety of the public when a serious governmental interest is involved or perceived to be involved. I am very happy that all of our students are safe and that our systems operated in a professional and expeditious manner. I am very thankful to UACCH Police, HCSO, ASP, AHP, and other Law Enforcement Agencies that support us in bringing great resources to bear in a time of potential critical need. The safety of our children is of highest concern to us all."
No charges are anticipated to be filed in this incident.
Original story (February 5):
Hope High School (Hempstead County) was on lockdown late this morning after a report of a man with a handgun on campus.
Hope School District officials tell KARK 4 News that the lockdown started around 10:45 and lasted for about an hour while police officers did a sweep of the area.
The individual police are still looking for is described as a non-student. Police say he is a black man about 5'8" to 6'0" tall, weighs about 175 pounds, and has his hair in braids. He was wearing a blue jacket.
Click here for more from KTSS TV 50, Hope-Texarkana.
The Hope Police Department is releasing an explanation for what happened Tuesday in the lockdown scare at Hope High School.
Here's more in a news release out today:
On Wednesday February 6, 2013, Detectives of the Hope Police Department in conjunction with UACCH Police identified the person of interest that attempted to enter the New Tech Building of the Hope High School Campus February 5 at approximately 10 AM.
Logical investigation conducted suggested no criminal act occurred nor was criminal intent believed to be present.
Assistant Chief Tomlin stated, "It seems that the individual in question, who was from out of town, was scheduled to attend a workshop on the UACCH campus at 10 AM. He was not able to locate the College campus and stopped to obtain directions. UACCH Officers confirmed that this person attended the workshop."
Chief JR Wilson stated, "I want to thank the young people that observed this event and passed on information they genuinely believed to be accurate and occurring at the time. This is exactly what they should have done. Notifying Police early of potentially threatening events is very important. This affords police the best opportunity to conduct successful emergency response and prevent problems."
"It is important that our young people understand that it is not atypical for human beings to misperceive events. Generally, Police can logically identify and weight misperception based on a careful analysis of all information predicated on a robust investigative process. The problem that arises in potentially serious rapidly evolving situations is that Police resources must first be dedicated to emergency response and a community care taking function whereby threats are abated as quickly as possible and systems are returned to normal function. Deployment of more sophisticated investigative techniques is a secondary priority occurring when control is accomplished and safety is ensured. Both statutory law and courts grant Police great latitude to ensure the safety of the public when a serious governmental interest is involved or perceived to be involved. I am very happy that all of our students are safe and that our systems operated in a professional and expeditious manner. I am very thankful to UACCH Police, HCSO, ASP, AHP, and other Law Enforcement Agencies that support us in bringing great resources to bear in a time of potential critical need. The safety of our children is of highest concern to us all."
No charges are anticipated to be filed in this incident.
Original story (February 5):
Hope High School (Hempstead County) was on lockdown late this morning after a report of a man with a handgun on campus.
Hope School District officials tell KARK 4 News that the lockdown started around 10:45 and lasted for about an hour while police officers did a sweep of the area.
The individual police are still looking for is described as a non-student. Police say he is a black man about 5'8" to 6'0" tall, weighs about 175 pounds, and has his hair in braids. He was wearing a blue jacket.
Click here for more from KTSS TV 50, Hope-Texarkana.
