Southern Oregon Schools Face Back-to-Back Hoax Threats as Police Warn About Swatting
Southern Oregon schools saw back-to-back police responses this week, with two separate threats reported. In Medford, officers increased their presence at South Medford High School, and Douglas County authorities later confirmed that another school report was investigated and found to be a case of swatting.
False Reports To Schools Increasing
Calls designed to create panic, disrupt schools or businesses, and divert emergency resources away from legitimate incidents are known as swatting- the act of making a false report to trigger a large emergency response to a location.
It can put both the public and first responders at unnecessary risk and is a criminal offense.
But these incidents are becoming increasingly common throughout the country. An investigation into Douglas County’s third swatting incident this week was launched yesterday.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and multiple local law enforcement partners responded to a reported threat at Camas Valley School after the school received a direct threatening phone call.
- May 13: Camas Valley School receives direct threatening call.
- Police response: Douglas County deputies and partners respond.
- Investigation: Authorities determine it was swatting.
- After review: No credible threat found.
- This week: Third Douglas County swatting incident reported.
Following an investigation, it was determined to be another instance of swatting, and there is no credible threat to the school or community.
On Sunday, Medford Police investigated a hoax threat involving South Medford High School after being contacted by a juvenile student at 12:15 a.m., who reported that they believed their school email account had been hacked and compromised.
- May 10, 12:15 a.m.: Student reports hacked email account.
- Afterward: Threat email is shared widely online.
- Monday morning: Staff and officers sweep South Medford High.
- May 11: Officers maintain extra security on campus.
- This week: Police continue investigating, no credible threat found.
The student said their email account had been used to send an email indicating there was a threat to South Medford High School. That email was then shared widely online.
Officers were deployed to provide extra security at the school, and staff worked with law enforcement to sweep the campus before students arrived on Monday morning.
Medford Police are currently working with Medford School District staff to gather additional information and, if possible, identify those responsible.
Police will continue to maintain a presence throughout the week, but investigators do not believe there is a credible threat to student safety.