THUNDER BAY - It is status quo at a south side high school according to police, who say students should feel safe as officers remain on school grounds to investigate possible threats against students and staff.
On Wednesday, Thunder Bay Police said they are actively investigating threats made against St. Patrick’s High School. Because it is still an active investigation, police are not able to disclose the nature of the threats.
Several Thunder Bay Police officers were present inside and outside the school Thursday morning, as well as several cars patrolling the block.
“Everything is status quo,” said Thunder Bay Police Staff Sgt. Ryan Gibson who was at the school. “Just because it is out there in social media and people were showing a lot of concern, it is still an open investigation and we are here to ease those fears for parents and students.”
Local police were notified through the school on Wednesday night of the potential threat.
St. Patrick’s High School issued a message on social media Thursday morning stating the police presence is part of a precaution as the investigation is conducted. The message goes on to state that police will be on scene at the graduation mass and the convocation ceremony at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium.
"We felt it was very necessary to have a presence at the school and at the other events that were happening today," communications director Chris Adams said.
Gibson said because there is no way to know if the threat is real, police always err on the side of caution.
“In this day and age, if we get a threat, we have to make sure we are there,” he said. “We have no control over social media. Sometimes it becomes a feeding frenzy, so we are going to respond as we deem appropriate.”
Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board superintendent J.P. Tennier said the board issued a message to staff, and implemented a response according to their protocol.
"We tried to inform as many people as possible," Tennier said.
He said St. Patrick's attendance was "good" on Thursday, although a number of students stayed at home.
Anyone with information relating to threats against students or staff at St. Patrick’s High School is asked to contact Thunder Bay Police at 684-1200 or Crime Stoppers at 1-807-623-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com.
