Investigation Finds No Threat To Dutchess BOCES

DUTCHESS COUNTY, NY — Dutchess BOCES administrator received a phone call from the parent of a student alerting them to a potential threat to the campus Friday morning, according to BOCES officials.

“At approximately 9 a.m. on 9/20/24 the Sheriff’s Office became aware of a possible threat of violence made towards the Dutchess BOCES. The threat was made via social media and reported to school officials, who in turn notified the School Resource Officer (Sheriff’s Deputy),” Capt. John Watterson of the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office said. “At that time, numerous personnel from the Sheriff’s Office responded to the school to help secure it and keep students and staff safe while an investigation was conducted into the threat. At this time, further investigation has revealed that today’s post appears to be a re-post of previous threat that has widely circulated in recent weeks, and it did not specifically reference the Dutchess BOCES. The investigation is continuing in conjunction with Dutchess BOCES. However, at this time the threat does not appear credible, no suspects have been identified, and the students and staff are safe.”

"We take the safety of our campus, students and staff very seriously," BOCES officials said in a statement. "So, out of an abundance of caution, Dutchess BOCES campus was put into a lockout and began an early dismissal of students with assistance from deputies. All afternoon programs and classes were canceled, including adult education. Once all students left campus, all BOCES staff were released. Normal operations will resume Monday with additional law enforcement presence."

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Detective Griffin at 845-
486-3809 or jgriffin@dutchessny.gov. The Sheriff’s Office can also be contacted via the tipline at 845-605-CLUE (2583), and all information will be kept confidential.