The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office maintains a policy of zero tolerance for threats made against schools, students, or staff, whether communicated in person, in writing, online, or passed off as a "joke." Every threat is treated as credible until proven otherwise, and every report is investigated by trained personnel.

Threats made against a school are a crime. Individuals who make them, regardless of age or intent, will be identified and held accountable under the law.

"If you make a threat against a school, we will find you, and you will be held fully accountable under the law. We do not tolerate threats against our schools, and there are no exceptions." Sheriff Chad Chronister

Watch video on Threats are no Joke

How to Report a Tip

If you see or hear something concerning, a threat, a suspicious post, or behavior that doesn't feel right, report it. You do not have to be certain, and you do not have to identify yourself.

Students can report safely and anonymously through:

1. FortifyFL (https://getfortifyfl.com/): Florida's statewide school safety reporting program. You can report online at the website or through the app. Reports can be submitted anonymously and are routed directly to school and law enforcement officials for review.
2. Crime Stoppers' Speak Out Hotline (https://www.crimestopperstb.com or call 1-800-873-TIPS), where anonymous tips can be submitted by phone or online, and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.
3. A teacher, school administrator, or School Resource Deputy (SRD). Students can also report concerns directly to a trusted adult at school.

Every tip submitted, through any of these channels, is reviewed by trained personnel and taken seriously.

Know the Difference: 911 vs. the Tip Line

• Call 911 if there is an immediate, in progress emergency, such as a threat happening right now, a weapon on campus, or any situation requiring immediate law enforcement response.
• Use FortifyFL, Crime Stoppers, or a trusted adult at school to report a threat, concern, or suspicious activity that is not an active emergency, including something you saw online, overheard, or that happened in the past.

When in doubt, it is always better to report.

Every report matters. Let's work together to keep our schools safe.