PORTSMOUTH — After investigating an anonymous tip, the Portsmouth Police Department has determined that no threats were made against Portsmouth High School on Sunday.

According to Detective Lt. John Cahoon, the department received an anonymous tip via the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System (SSARS) on Sunday, in which a party reported concerns over pictures of a firearm and an alleged threat which had been posted via Snapchat, a social media app.

“Officers from the patrol division immediately began an investigation, quickly identifying and then locating the involved parties,” Lt. Cahoon stayed in a press release Monday. “Members of the detective division responded and conducted interviews with the involved parties.”

The detectives thoroughly examined all the evidence and information provided including cellphone and Snapchat data, he stated.

“The investigation determined that no threats had been made by anyone, including verbal or written threats and/or threats with or without a firearm,” He said.

An e-mail had been sent to students and their families by the school department alerting them of the initial report received through SSARS. 

To re-assure the school staff, students and their families, several police officers were present as students and staff arrived to PHS on Monday morning, he said.

Parents notified

Principal Joseph Amaral first noticed parents of the alleged threat in the following e-mail sent out Sunday around 6:45 p.m.:

A message from PORTSMOUTH HIGH SCHOOL

Minutes ago we received a tip concerning one of our students who allegedly made a threat against the school. We are responding and the police have been notified and are currently investigating the threat. We will update you as new information becomes available.

Not long after that e-mail was sent out, another one arrived in parents’ inboxes:

The Portsmouth Police Department has investigated the school threat and determined there is not an imminent danger. Portsmouth police will have a presence on campus tomorrow and the PHS internal safety protocols will be in place to reassure students' safety. I want to thank those students, teachers and parents who "saw something and said something." It is because of this vigilance that actions can be taken to keep our school community safe.