JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Around 10:40 AM on Oct. 13, Jamestown law enforcement dispatched officers to Jamestown High School regarding a potential threat to school safety. Upon notification to JPS administration, the JHS campus was immediately placed in lockdown.

After consultation with law enforcement, it was determined that, until a preliminary assessment could be conducted, all JPS schools should similarly go into lockdown.
At this time, the district began to become aware of similar threats occurring throughout North Dakota, including in Grand Forks, Bismarck and Fargo. Regardless of the increased likelihood of a hoax, JPS and law enforcement concurred the situation warranted a comprehensive site sweep.

During the lockdown, an initial sweep was conducted by law enforcement. Around 11:30, based on that results of that sweep, it was determined by JPS administration and law enforcement that all schools, with the exceptions of those on the Jamestown High School campus could be released from lockdown. The Jamestown High School campus remained in lockdown as an extensive search was conducted in all wings and classrooms at JHS.

Discussion was held with JHS officials and law enforcement regarding the remainder of the day at JHS. Ultimately, based on a number of factors, it was determined that JHS would be released for the remainder of the day and that activities at JHS would be cancelled. A staggered schedule by grade level established to provide a safe and reasonable release from the building. School lunch was provided for those students who wished to stay and staff and counselors were made available to all.

All other schools have continued on with a normal schedule and busing is continuing as normal.

The district and law enforcement will conduct a debrief in the near future to review the incident, determine areas of strength in the response, and areas that will need to be improved.

The district would like to extend appreciation to the outstanding work of all Jamestown law enforcement and school staff for the quick and definitive action to keep all students and staff safe.