Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Implements S.T.A.R. Squad to Investigate School Threats
As students prepare for the start of the school year, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is taking proactive measures to enhance school safety. Introducing their newly formed S.T.A.R. Squad (School Threat Assessment and Response), the sheriff’s office aims to effectively investigate any school threats that may arise.
The S.T.A.R. Squad consists of four school resource deputies who have undergone extensive training, including active shooter response scenarios. Their primary focus is to identify and investigate school threats in real time, ensuring that no potential danger goes unchecked.
Lieutenant Cason James Ulmer, the head of the School Safety Bureau within the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, reiterated the significance of prioritizing the safety of children. We’ve dedicated numerous resources, and we don’t spare any expense because the safety of the children is of the utmost importance, said Lt. Ulmer. With their comprehensive training and readiness, the team is well-equipped to handle any situation that may arise.
Since its formation in November 2022, the S.T.A.R. Squad has received approximately a thousand school-based threats across 50 schools, including private, public, and charter institutions. When a threat is reported, the squad immediately springs into action, initiating thorough investigations to determine the origin and severity of the threat. It’s a collaborative effort that involves sharing ideas and resources within the squad, as well as seeking support from external partners such as the criminal investigations division and the state attorney’s office.
Threats can manifest from various sources, including individuals’ homes or social media platforms. The sheriff’s office encourages the community to report any suspicious activities through channels like the Fortify Florida app, TIP-411, the non-emergency helpline, or by reaching out to administrators and staff. By utilizing multiple avenues for reporting, the sheriff’s office ensures that they can swiftly address any potential threats to the safety of students and staff.
The consequences for making a threat against a school can be severe, with individuals potentially facing felony charges. Lt. Ulmer praised the efforts of lawmakers and officials in Tallahassee for their dedication to enhancing school safety measures. They’ve done a good job of upping the ante for certain types of threats, he explained. Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister shares the same commitment, prioritizing the safety and well-being of students throughout the county.
The implementation of the S.T.A.R. Squad is part of Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office’s ongoing efforts to create a safe and secure learning environment for students. By promptly investigating and addressing school threats, the squad plays a crucial role in deterring potential harm and maintaining the peace of mind of students, parents, and educators.
As the new school year commences, students and parents can take comfort in knowing that the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is taking proactive steps to keep them safe. With the S.T.A.R. Squad at the forefront of school threat assessment and response, the community can rest assured that their children’s well-being is the top priority.
