Three minors arrested, charged over security threats at schools

Three minors are now facing criminal charges after a string of security threats forced schools to evacuate and sparked panic across several campuses since the start of the year according to police.

Cops say the youngsters, whose identities are being withheld because of their ages, have been charged with use of computers for malicious communication and creating public mischief following multiple security scares between January and February 2026.

According to investigators, the threats disrupted classes and triggered emergency evacuations at affected schools, sending students, teachers and parents into a frenzy. Each incident also required heavy deployment of police personnel, members of the Jamaica Fire Brigade and other emergency responders to secure the institutions and ensure the safety of everyone on campus.

Head of the Communication Forensics and Cybercrime Division, Deputy Superintendent Maurice Goode, warned that persons using technology to spread fear will face serious consequences.

"According to Section 9 of Jamaica's Cybercrimes Act, a person commits an offence if they use a computer to send any data to another person that is obscene, constitutes a threat or is menacing in nature with the intention to harass, cause harm or the apprehension of harm to any person or property," said Goode.

"We are taking a zero-tolerance approach to breaches of this Act and are urging the public to be more digitally responsible. Making a threat is a criminal offence, regardless of whether it is intended as a joke or prank and irrespective of whether an explosive device actually exists," he added.

Goode also noted that if threats are directed at public institutions such as schools, additional charges could be laid depending on the circumstances and the level of disruption caused.

Police say investigations into similar incidents are still ongoing.

In the meantime, law enforcers are urging parents to closely monitor their children's online activities and educate them about the serious legal consequences of cyber-related crimes. Schools and other institutions are also being encouraged to play a more active role in teaching students about the dangers and long-term impact of making threats online.

Members of the public who have information about persons involved in these activities are being asked to contact Crime Stop at 311, the police emergency number 119, or the nearest police station.

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