BROOKINGS – The Brookings Police Department and the Brookings School District issued a joint clarification Wednesday related to an article published that day in The Brookings Register, titled “Threat made against school.”

The two entities say there are four inaccuracies in the article, and Brookings Police Chief Dave Erickson has admitted to making misstatements to the Register, “based on the information I had at the time.”

The school district and the police department say the four inaccuracies are:

• The juvenile male student identified in the newspaper article did not threaten to “shoot up” a Brookings school. 

• Law enforcement did not take the student into custody. 

• Law enforcement did not commit the student to a mental health facility. 

• This case is not being adjudicated in juvenile court.

The Register maintains that all the information in the Wednesday article was provided by Brookings Police Chief Dave Erickson on Tuesday afternoon.

Earlier this week, the Register pursued the story regarding a student threat made via text message to another student, based on a Feb. 17 entry in the Brookings Police Department’s police log. 

It read: “Threatening or harassing contacts by telephone or electronic device. 7:12 p.m. Officers were advised of juvenile that was making threats to a school.” 

The police department offered no public explanation for the police log entry until the Register initiated contact with Erickson a week-and-a-half later. An interview via telephone followed Tuesday afternoon.

In a Wednesday afternoon phone call with Erickson regarding the joint clarification, Erickson said he did not dispute that the inaccurate information came from him.

“Well, I think going off the information available at the time, since then more has come to light,” he said.

When asked if he was accusing the Register of making things up, he said “no.”

“So they were just misstatements at the time?” Register Managing Editor Jill Fier asked.

“Yes,” Erickson answered. “Based on the information I had at that time.”

He declined further comment and referred to the joint statement signed by Erickson, City Manager Jeff Weldon and Brookings School District Superintendent Klint Willert. 

Beyond the inaccuracies reported, the joint statement goes on to say:

“We understand the accumulation of rumors and the very recent tragedy of a school shooting in Florida may make students, parents and the community feel a sense of unease, concern or worry. 

“However, we can assure you that the Brookings School District and Brookings Police Department work tirelessly to ensure the safety of all students, employees, and visitors. 

“Counselors and social workers, along with our teachers and student resource officers, provide support and care for students who may be feeling fearful or anxious. It’s important to know students have a positive outlet to express these concerns, and we ask that we all work together as a community to address these concerns.

“To ensure a safe learning environment, when a safety concern arises, our administrators and law enforcement officials thoroughly review the incident to determine what, if any, adjustments may be needed for the safety of our students and staff. For instance, here are some of the safety measures currently in place at the Brookings School District: 

• All school safety reports are immediately and thoroughly reviewed by designated officials and student resource officers. This policy is followed by the Brookings School District in all cases, including this case, and no immediate threat was found to exist.

• All staff in all of our schools are trained in safety procedures and protocols on a regular basis.

• The Brookings School District has two Brookings Police Department officers (student resource officers) in the building during the school day.

• All staff and students participate in safety drills and scenario-based drills on a regular basis.

• The Brookings Police Department and Brookings School District collaborate and review each school’s safety plans on a regular basis.

• All schools have all exterior doors locked during the school day, and all individuals that enter the school must be checked in through our school security system.

• The Brookings School District remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring a safe, secure and supportive learning environment for all students and employees.

“We appreciate everyone’s vigilance and willingness to report events. That is what makes the Brookings School District and City of Brookings a special place for everyone. 

“On behalf of the Brookings School District, City of Brookings and Brookings Police Department, we share the goal of maintaining safe, secure and supportive schools in our community.