The CATIE alert system bills itself online as “a school safety application that transforms chaos into calm.”
But it had exactly the opposite effect Tuesday morning, when false alarms went off in three separate Caroline County public schools after emergency alerts were inadvertently sent on the application, causing schools to go into lockdown and parents and students to panic.
The first incident occurred at approximately 7:07 a.m. at Caroline High School.
The alert system, which allows school staff to initiate a lockdown in the event of a perceived threat and triggers an automatic law enforcement response, went off just minutes after some students and staff arrived at school.
The school resource officer, who was already on site, immediately began checking the building. An additional 19 deputies responded to the scene and rushed inside as students huddled in the building, remained on buses or in vehicles with their parents.
“The building was cleared, and no safety threats were found,” Sheriff Scott Moser said in a press release. “After further investigation, the alert was determined to be a false alarm and the lockdown was lifted.”
A second false alarm went out later in the morning when a CHS staff member inadvertently triggered additional alerts while attempting to adjust settings on the application. Those alerts were also quickly investigated, and threats of harm were unfounded.
“We recognize that incidents like this can be stressful and disruptive for students, parents and staff,” Moser said. “However, we are incredibly proud of the quick and courageous actions of our deputies, as well as the prompt and professional response by CCPS staff to secure the building and follow lockdown protocols.”
Moser stated that it’s “unfortunate” his staff and the schools must be prepared in case of a threat because of the climate in schools across the country, but he’s grateful that both incidents were false alarms.
“And even more thankful for the systems, training and partnerships in place to keep our schools and students safe,” he said.
Caroline High was not the only school in the county impacted by issues with CATIE on Tuesday. Caroline Middle and Bowling Green Elementary also received alerts.
Bowling Green Principal Cynthia Heckstall sent an email to parents at 10:17 a.m., easing their concerns.
“This morning, BGE, along with CMS and CHS, received an alert through the CATIE system,” Heckstall wrote. “We have been informed that there is an issue with the CATIE alert system, and it is currently under investigation. Please be assured that all students and staff are safe.”
All five county schools held full school days.
