Joint Statement from Penn Township Police Department and South Western School District
February 18, 2018
Good Afternoon South Western Community:
Late Saturday night the Penn Township Police Department learned of a potential threat directed toward
the Intermediate School. The responding officer contacted Dr. Burkhart regarding what information was
known and next steps in the investigation. The department is in the process of investigating the
situation. Police Chief Laughlin spoke with Dr. Burkhart earlier this morning.
Together, we are confident the threat is not credible and poses no elevated risk to our students.
However, in an effort to be diligent and reassure our students, there will be a visible and increased
presence of our police force at the IS and HS tomorrow, and longer if necessary. The patrols will include
officers, at times, circulating in the buildings. The SWSD central office administrative team will also be in
each building during the day to support the students and the staff. As has been past practice, the Penn
Township Police Department, and all other police departments in the SWSD, will continue supporting
our buildings, as we remain relentless in our dedication to a safe learning environment.
Our community will work through these challenging times while maintaining a safe learning
environment. Therefore, we will continue identifying resources to support our students, work in
partnership with our community, and communicate with you, our families.
In closing, we ask our families remain diligent in reporting any, and all, behaviors or other actions they
deem concerning. Our police department and school district take these reports seriously and will
continue working together to make certain students are not placed at any increased risk.
Thank you.
Chief Laughlin, Chief of Police, Penn Township
Dr. Burkhart, Superintendent of Schools, South Western School District