Published: September 22, 2006 04:55 pm      

Bomb threats — Offenders must pay harsh penalities

Bomb threats are no laughing matter, but what is the best way to get that message across to students?

In the wake of recent incidents throughout the area, Tazewell County is stepping up efforts to get parents involved.

Commonwealth Attorney Dennis Lee and Tazewell Police Chief Brian Hieatt are now working with School Superintendent Dr. Brenda Lawson to send letters to parents of all students informing them of the repercussions of bomb threats.

And make no mistake, those consequences are serious.

Children can — and will — be charged criminally for making bomb threats, and face school punishments that generally include suspension.

Lee said they are also looking at the possibility of pursuing felony charges for students over age 15 who call in bomb threats. A felony charge carries a potential punishment of more than one year in prison.

It sounds harsh, but it should.

The 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States spread a wave of concern and fear across our country. We were attacked on our shores — and it could happen again, in any state, in any town.

Thus, it is imperative for students to realize a bomb threat is not a prank. It’s a crime — and a very serious one at that.

Parents will also have to face consequences if their child calls in a bomb threat.

Parents of juveniles convicted of this crime generally pay restitution ranging from $700 to $2,000 on behalf of their children. The funds pay for police, fire departments and rescue personnel who respond to the scene of bomb threats.

But no amount of money can buy back peace of mind.

Sadly, children involved in these threats do not seem to understand the dire nature of their actions.

While a threat made at Tazewell High last week remains under investigation, a probe into an incident earlier this year has brought to light the responsible student acted on a “dare.”

“Maybe the parents can talk to their kids and let them realize that this isn’t a dare,” Police Chief Hieatt said. “You will go and stand before the judge, and you will be suspended from school. I’m sure some parents just don’t realize the seriousness of it.”

We applaud the efforts of Tazewell officials to alert parents to this problem and utilize their help in preventing more senseless bomb threats at area schools.

The commitment to pursue criminal charges and compensation is also vital in efforts to prevent further incidents. Children should be punished for making bomb threats, and parents must also accept responsibility by paying restitution for the crime.

It is our hope these efforts will deter further bomb threats