The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office has been working with local law enforcement to form a one two punch in educating Macomb County students on threats to school safety, the consequences as a result of a threat, and how to report a threat.
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o far this year, Macomb County has had almost fifty people charged with threats of violence against a school, a staff member or a student. This is a 50% increase since 2021.
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office along with all local law enforcement agencies continue to offer programs available to go into Macomb County schools to educate the students and staff about the consequences of school threats, violence, and bullying. Students could face charges from communicating a threat of terrorism, a 20-year felony, calling in a bomb threat, a 4-year felony, malicious use of a electronic device, a 6-month misdemeanor, and threatening violence against a school employee, or student, a one-year misdemeanor. Students need to be aware that these charges could result in jail time/juvenile detention, affect future employment or schooling, and result in future limitations in life.
Lucido is steadfast in his commitment to the safety of Macomb County students by his zero tolerance policy when it comes to school threats. Not only do these threats drain county resources, it disrupts education. Anyone who sees something, hears something, or knows something must say something. Students and staff can call 855-OK2SAY to anonymously report a threat.
These threats to Macomb County schools, the second largest school district in Michigan, are causing county and local government substantial financial losses. Lucido’s zero tolerance policy will hold students and their parents not only accountable, but responsible for any threats. Parents may be financIally responsible for the cost to county and local government agencies.
A U.S. national survey on post COVID mental health in children under 18 years-old since March 2020 found 14% of parents reported worsening child behavior problems and 27% reported worsening personal mental health. Lucido as part of his mental health initiative is asking parents to look for mood swings, personality changes, academic changes, inability to deal with conflict and social changes in their children. If these changes are present, contact the child’s school, a mental health professional, or Macomb County Community Mental Health.
Macomb County Commissioner Michelle Nard of Warren’s 12th District has taken the lead in introducing a resolution to bring a deeper discussion on the well-being and safety in schools. This resolution appears to have the support of the entire Macomb County Board of Commissioners. Lucido would like to thank all the Commissioners for taking this initiative and for their support.
“Macomb County needs to establish safety in schools,” said Nard.
Lucido will be awarding schools in Macomb County with the “Hero Award” when a student or staff member reports on any of the following violations: weapons, violence, or threats to school administration or police. The “Hero Award” acknowledges the hero in that school who was proactive, to prevent a potential tragedy. These awards will be unnamed as to the individual(s) (anonymous) and given to the school to honor the hero who heard something, saw something, knew something, and said something. The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office encourages all students to stay vigilant and report any unusual behavior, weapons, violence, or threats to avoid a tragedy and keep all Macomb County students and staff safe.
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, Macomb County Board of Commissioners, and all Macomb County law enforcement agencies are working hard to keep Macomb County schools protected. Lucido would like to thank those heroes who have reported a threat, or any potential violence in and out of their schools. Residents who know any individuals who have been proactive in preventing a potential tragedy should contact Dawn Fraylick at 586-469-5737 or Dawn.Fraylick@Macombgov.org to honor them for their bravery and courage. Resdients who know someone who is in a mental health crisis should contact Macomb County Community Mental Health at 586-307-9100 or call 911.
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