Hancock schools placed on ‘soft lock down’ Monday

Hancock County Public Schools’ facilities were placed in what was described by the Sheriff’s Department as a “soft lock down” just after 9 a.m., Monday.

The action was taken after a student made threats, which were not directed at the school.

The Sheriff’s Department said in a statement the action was “only precautionary and there (were) no immediate threats to the students.” The lock down was lifted just before 1 p.m.

At that time, HCSD said a juvenile related to the lock down had been located.

The school system released a statement around 12:55 p.m., saying that the department had contacted administrators and “there was no longer a safety concern in the county.”

The system expressed appreciation for local law enforcement, and said, “As always, we err on the side of caution when it comes to the safety of our students and staff.”