BY DEBRA PALMIERI

dpalmieri@tnonline.com

There was a “more visible” police presence Sept. 7 at all Parkland schools after a possible threat was received around 8 p.m. Monday.

South Whitehall Police Chief Glen Dorney issued the following news release just before 3 p.m. that day regarding the situation:

“On Sept. 6, at approximately 8 p.m., the South Whitehall Township Police Department was contacted in reference to a social media post that made threats, referencing a shooting to occur at “Parkland” on Sept. 7.

“South Whitehall Township police and Parkland School District immediately began to investigate the origins of the post and initiated risk mitigation efforts.

“Pennsylvania State Police and Upper Macungie Township Police Department were contacted due to Parkland schools being located within their jurisdiction.

“A plan was established to have an increased police presence at all schools in the district on Sept. 7.”

Dorney wrote that investigative efforts began immediately after receiving the information, and were still ongoing.

“The initial investigation has revealed the photograph utilized in the initial post was a stock Internet photograph, rather than a photograph by someone who may be in possession of an actual weapon,” Dorney stated.

“Several individuals involved in a group Snapchat thread who located the initial post were contacted by investigators.”

According to Dorney, all of those individuals were high school students from outside of the Parkland School District and had no direct knowledge of any threat or the origins of the initial post.

“At this time, there is no tangible evidence that indicates there is an immediate threat to any student within the Parkland School District,” Dorney wrote. “Law enforcement presence will continue to be increased at all schools until the conclusion of the investigation ...

“ ... If the person responsible for this threat is identified, South Whitehall Township Police intends to prosecute to the fullest extent within the guidelines of the law.”

Superintendent Dr. Mark J. Madson had emailed families saying the district contacted local police

The email stated the police presence is intended to “provide peace of mind and a sense of security to the students and staff.”

“All threats and situations like this are taken very seriously,” Madson wrote. “The safety and concern for our students and staff is our No. 1 priority.”