The Taylorville Police Department assures local schools are safe in the city in the wake of the incident at Taylorville High School where a student was caught with a fake weapon on school grounds. Further investigations found real weapons and ammunition at the student's home. Taylorville Police emphasize that in any situation that threatens student safety, Taylorville Police, the Emergency Management Agency, and surrounding law enforcement agencies would be on the scene in minutes with school building information and a plan to secure the school and eliminate any threats.

Taylorville Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler says a post on social media by the student that was threatening in nature gave TPD a warning of a threat at the school and cause to detain and hold the student in custody.

Chief Wheeler thanks Taylorville Schools for their commitment to communication during these times of danger and confusion. Adding that with a rise in social media usage among children, any post that may be seen as threatening will be taken seriously by the Taylorville Police Department.

Constant training for local law enforcement allows all members on the scene of a school threat to be aware of the building layout, to most efficiently eliminate any threat. Chief Wheeler adds that school resource officers are posted in the Junior High and High Schools in Taylorville.

The Taylorville Police Department urges you to stay vigilant as well. If you see something say something, the TPD is ready to accept information concerning any threat to the community to handle it professionally.

Taylorville Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.