FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Telluride Marshal’s Department, Telluride School District Address Swatting Incidents
Additional precautions put in place in response to false threats to schools across Colorado
(March 2, 2023) – Telluride, CO --- The Telluride Marshal’s Department worked closely with the Telluride School District yesterday to address suspected swatting calls occurring throughout the state. While no calls were directed to Telluride schools or local law enforcement dispatch, Chief Josh Comte and Telluride School District Superintendent John Pandolfo increased safety precautions out of an abundance of caution, establishing officer patrol at the schools to ensure quick response, though no incident occurred.
Swatting is when a person makes a prank call to emergency services to bring about the dispatch of a large number of armed police officers to a specific address. Yesterday’s suspected swatting incidents occurred around the state with multiple school districts receiving false threats. Last week, similar false calls were made to several Colorado communities, including Alamosa, Aspen, Boulder, Brighton, Canon City, Durango, Englewood, Estes Park, Fort Morgan, Gilpin County and Glenwood Springs - adding to similar swatting incidents in several other states over the past several months.
In a message to Telluride School District parents, Superintendent Pandolfo reiterated the details of the district’s reunification processes including a summary of the steps should a reunification be required.
“When it comes to the safety of our children, we take every threat seriously,” said Chief Comte. “It takes time to gather information during any emergency, we ask that all involved review the reunification guidelines from the school district and be patient as we work quickly to address any threats in the future.”
For the most up-to-date information regarding any school-related emergency or threat, please ensure your email on file with the Telluride School District is up-to-date and follow the Town of Telluride and Telluride Marshal’s Department on social media.
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Communications Manager
Lindsey Mills
Cell: (303) 319-6448
lmills@telluride-co.gov
ABOUT TELLURIDE
A former Victorian mining town in southwest Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, Telluride was incorporated in 1977 as a home-rule municipality. Set in a box canyon amid forested peaks at the base of the popular Telluride ski-and-golf resort, the town’s historic district houses landmarks like the Sheridan Opera House, a performing-arts venue originally built in 1913, and the Telluride Historical Museum, which showcases local history in a converted hospital built in 1896. For more information, please visit us online at telluride-co.gov.