By MACKENZEE SIMMS | Staff Writer

HELENA – Helena Police Department detectives and school resource officers have investigated two different alleged threats made by students attending Helena Middle School, which authorities have determined to be false.

In a statement released by the HPD, law enforcement has spent more than 20 hours investigating in the past two days regarding the threats.

“The alleged threat from yesterday was proven to be fabricated by a student, and resulted in fear and misinformation being spread throughout the community,” the HPD statement read. “The incident today was similar in that the student texted there was an active shooter in the building, when there was no threat whatsoever at the time.”

According to a release from the Shelby County Schools Board of Education, which was sent to parents at Helena Middle School,  HMS administrators worked closely with law enforcement regarding the rumor that the school was on lockdown. This rumor has been disproven.

“The investigation was a coordinated effort between local law enforcement, Shelby County Schools Central Office staff and Helena Middle School administration,” the SCBOE statement read. “The safety of our students and staff is and will continue to be our top priority at Helena Middle School.”

The HPD thanked the board of education for its help with the investigation.

“HPD works closely with the SCBOE to ensure the safety of our students, and we appreciate their assistance in helping us determine these threats posed no danger to our schools,” the HPD said.

The police department and SCBOE urges parents and caregivers to have intentional conversations with their students about the situation.

“It’s important to remind our children that their words carry weight, both in person and online,” the SCBOE statement said.