Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

President Donald Trump meets with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss a trade deal in Scotland.

Software detects threat to "shoot up" high school


Software detects threat to "shoot up" high school (WRGB File)
Software detects threat to "shoot up" high school (WRGB File)
Facebook Share IconTwitter Share IconEmail Share Icon

Police say an email was sent last week that contained a threat to "shoot up" a local high school.

A juvenile suspect is now in custody, and software is being credited with helping in this case.

Schenectady Police say only around 5 minutes after this threatening "shoot up the school" e-mail was sent out, the school district's student monitoring software Gaggle alerted administrators.

Police were notified right after this was flagged last Wednesday morning around 6:50, and the district's Community Engagement Officers (CEOs) went to the home of the sender.

Luckily, no further threat was found, so the school day went on as usual.

However, the day took a turn for the juvenile suspect, now charged with making a terroristic threat, which is a felony.

The Gaggle student monitoring software, which has been well-received by educators, works by flagging concerning content in students' school-issued accounts, blocking potentially harmful content, and tracking warning signs to alert districts before a student harms themselves or others.

Although it’s clearly effective, this new method of protecting students raises old concerns over balancing safety and privacy.

CBS 6 Special Projects Producer Shawn Robinson spoke with Professor Benjamin Yankson from UAlbany's College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity, who says districts have a responsibility when using it:

"The usage could sometimes end up not being used for the purpose that it's acquired for... Schools should make sure that this is actually used for the safety-related concern they have instead of other issues that might be political or that they might not agree with,” Dr. Yankson said.

District parent Doug Lloyd says use of a tool like this is necessary, but needs to be "morally just," and that "anything can be overused and abused."

There's been some movement on the safety front in Schenectady.

At the April 19th school board meeting, the district announced three security monitors resigned, but they did appoint one additional officer and monitor. The board also adopted a security camera plan.

Crisis in the Classroom is a weekly segment in which CBS 6 investigates issues faced by educators, students, and families. Send any tips to our team by emailing or by calling (518) 288-6034.

Loading ...