PRATTVILLE, Ala.- The Prattville Police Department is urging people to think twice before making threats on the internet. This comes after a new law was implemented at the start of September, prompting the department to issue a warning. It’s important to remember that online threats can have serious consequences, and it’s essential to be mindful of what you say and how it may be perceived by others. The department is taking this issue seriously and hopes that others will too. Let’s all work together to create a safe and respectful online community.
In Alabama, terroristic threats are now classified as a Class C felony, regardless of whether they were intended as a joke or not. Furthermore, juveniles who make violent threats that disrupt a school or business will be charged as adults. This move demonstrates the seriousness with which the state of Alabama approaches threats of violence and ensures that those who engage in such behavior are held accountable for their actions.
According to Prattville Police Chief Mark Thompson, this threat is a stern message to the public regarding the fatigue law enforcement experiences while investigating hoaxes, which have been primarily occurring at schools.
Thompson shared that they have encountered cases wherein 12-year-olds had to be apprehended for making threats on social media without their parents’ knowledge.
According to the chief, the police department has been receiving an average of four to five calls per year. However, he also mentioned that none of these threats were deemed credible by the authorities.
According to Thompson, it is crucial for parents to keep a close eye on their children’s social media activity as they too could face charges.
More News:
- A man from Montgomery was killed in a three-car accident
- Joelle Hannam, a Montgomery native, has been awarded an Obama Foundation scholarship for civic service
