Threat to Belmont BOCES center 'not credible', part of 'concerning nationwide trend'

CA BOCES is among the latest school systems in the Southern Tier dealing with threats of violence after a social media post said there would be a shooting at BOCES's Belmont CTE Center Thursday.

BOCES officials said they were notified by the Wellsville Police Department at around 9 a.m.

According to BOCES, the post said there would be a shooting at 11:30 a.m. at the county Route 48 education complex.

"Although law enforcement informed BOCES this is not a credible threat, situations like this must be taken seriously," CA BOCES Superintendent Scott Payne said. "BOCES is taking additional steps at the Belmont Center to not only ensure the safety of everyone ... but to also make sure everyone is secure in knowing that these types of matters are taken seriously."

Payne said BOCES is putting additional "monitoring" in place and has stepped up a police presence at the building.

"Please be assured, BOCES will be working with law enforcement to determine the source of the post," Payne said. "Should you have any information about the post or source of the post, we encourage you to contact the New York State Police or your local law enforcement agency."

Payne said questions and concerns may be directed to him by calling 716-376-8254.

According to Dr. Colleen Taggerty, interim superintendent of the Wellsville Central School District, the threat did not reference Wellsville schools.

In a message on the district's ParentSquare communications system, Taggerty said the BOCES threat comes during a "concerning nationwide trend" of similar reports.

"Several BOCES across the state have been managing online Snapchat posts with threats of violence at their facilities," she said.

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'Swatting hoaxes' also impact Steuben County, others in Southern Tier

The threat in Allegany County followed on the heels of others in Steuben, Chemung and Broome counties. Earlier this week, the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office said social media threats that circulated through other school districts in the region also identified the Corning High School and BOCES.

The Sheriff's Office said the "swatting hoaxes" were deemed unfounded.

"They appear to be part of the same larger pattern of hoaxes circulating through the northeast United States. We are working closely with our Steuben County School Districts, our School Resource Officers, local and federal law enforcement partners to monitor the situation," stated the Sheriff's Office. "We will be increasing visibility at schools countywide as a precaution. There does not appear to be any credibility to these posts.

"We will remain vigilant and follow through with all reported threats and take appropriate action. We would remind the community to immediately report any threat or concerning behaviors to law enforcement."

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This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: CA BOCES taking 'additional steps' after Belmont shooting threat