Supporting Safe Schools
A Message from the Ingham County Prosecutor
School safety is a shared responsibility and a top priority for all of us. The Ingham County Prosecutor's Office is committed to protecting students and responding appropriately to threats made against our schools.
Threats of violence against schools—whether intended to be real or made as a joke—are criminal offenses with serious consequences. This includes threats made through social media, text messages, online platforms or any other form of communication.
Potential Criminal Charges
Making a threat of violence against a school may result in criminal charges, including:
- False report or threat of terrorism (up to a 20-year felony)
- Intentional threat to commit an act of violence against a school (up to a 10-year felony)
- Making a bomb threat (up to a 4-year felony)
- Threatening violence against a school employee or student (up to a 1-year misdemeanor)
- Malicious use of a telecommunications device (up to a 6-month misdemeanor)
In addition to criminal penalties, students may face significant long-term consequences, including the loss of scholarships or federal financial aid, denial of college admission, a criminal record that may limit future employment opportunities and disqualification from military service.
How Families Can Help
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to talk with their children about the responsible use of social media and the serious consequences of making threats against schools, students or staff. School threats are never funny and should never be treated as a joke.
Students are encouraged to report concerning behavior or potential threats through the Okay2Say app or by informing a trusted adult if they see or hear something that could endanger others.
Thank you for partnering with schools, law enforcement and the Ingham County Prosecutor's Office to help ensure a safe, respectful and productive school year.
