ST. JOSEPH, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – A swatting call that originated outside the U.S. triggered a lockdown at St. Joseph Public Schools on Thursday.

Berrien County Dispatch notified the school district of a threat, which prompted a lockdown of other area schools.

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Superintendent Kristen Bawks sent this letter to families and staff on Thursday afternoon:

“Dear SJPS Families,

Around 12:30 this afternoon, SJPS received a call from Berrien County Dispatch indicating an external threat to St. Joseph High School. Our staff and students followed our practiced procedures and went into lockdown immediately. Out of an abundance of caution, the other schools in SJPS were also put on lockdown.

We have now confirmed with law enforcement that there was no actual threat to the district. We are confident that our students are safe, therefore our buildings are no longer in lockdown. Per local authorities, this was an example of swatting–a false emergency call to prompt a heavy law enforcement response to a particular address. The false report came from an IP address overseas. Several districts experienced similar swatting incidents this afternoon.

We appreciate your cooperation and patience during this lockdown, as well as the immediate response of law enforcement officers and staff.

Sincerely,

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Kristen Bawks, Superintendent”

The U.S. Department of Education defines “swatting” as “a false report of an ongoing emergency or threat of violence intended to prompt an immediate tactical law enforcement response.”

A follow up investigation is being conducted.