Police Respond to Active Shooter Threats at St. John’s Prep and Boston College High School
On Monday, May 22, 2023, both St. John’s Preparatory School in Danvers and Boston College High School in Dorchester were the subjects of active shooter reports. Although no threats were found at either location, an unnamed Danvers police officer accidentally fired a weapon inside a bathroom in Brother Benjamin Hall at St. John’s. No one else was inside the room at the time, and no one was injured. The accidental discharge triggered a larger law enforcement response, but no evidence of a shooter or any other threat was discovered. Dozens of State Police troopers and Danvers Police officers entered St. John’s just before 2 p.m. and swept the school building-by-building throughout the afternoon. Boston Police officers responded to BC High, located at 150 Morrissey Blvd., just after 2 p.m. They also did not identify any threats.
The Issue of “Swatting” in Massachusetts Schools
St. John’s officials have stated that the incident was likely the result of “swatting.” This term refers to false threats intended to trigger a response from law enforcement officials and has plagued many Massachusetts schools in recent months. According to a notice on the school’s website, “We believe that St. John’s was the victim of a Swatting call. Everyone is safe, there have been no injuries and police are currently clearing campus buildings as we account for all students.” The use of swatting as a tactic is a reprehensible action that wastes valuable resources and threatens public safety. It places students and faculty in danger, disrupts the activities of law enforcement, and contributes to enormous anxiety and distress for families and communities.
Lessons Learned from the Incident
This incident highlights the need for schools, law enforcement, and communities to stay vigilant and prepared to address active shooter incidents. It also underscores the importance of accurately identifying and assessing potential threats. While the police had responded to this situation out of an abundance of caution, the consequences of their actions, including the accidental firing of a weapon, illustrate how rapidly a situation can spiral out of control and how important it is to have well-trained, level-headed professionals responding to incidents like these.
Recommendation for School Safety and Threat Assessment
Schools and law enforcement need to work collaboratively toward implementing effective threat assessment protocols that involve timely communication, information sharing, and incident response. Providing adequate training to faculty, staff, and students in recognizing and reporting suspicious behavior is essential in order to prevent incidents from escalating or becoming tragedies. In addition, enhanced physical security measures, such as access control and perimeter security, can contribute to creating a safer and more secure school environment. By prioritizing school safety and threat assessment, we can create a secure learning environment that prepares students for academic and personal success.
<< photo by Joshua Sukoff >>
