A public meeting was held for parents at the Okanagan Falls Legion on Sunday. From left are Staff Sgt. Kurt Lozinski, RCMP Superintendent Kevin Hewco, acting principal Amanda Palmer and Superintendent of Schools Bev Young. Photo by Lyonel Doherty
The Penticton RCMP is urging concerned parents in Okanagan Falls to talk to their children about who might have authored last week’s threatening letter.
On Sunday RCMP Superintendent Kevin Hewco and Staff Sgt. Kurt Lozinski addressed worried parents at a public meeting. They were joined by acting principal Amanda Palmer and Superintendent of Schools Bev Young.
The meeting was held to discuss a letter that was found last week. The author threatened to shoot students in Penticton and Okanagan Falls.
Hewco said it still hasn’t been determined who wrote the letter or if it was a hoax. He noted that officers have tracked down all available leads but none have resulted in anything concrete. Lozinski said nothing was caught on school video cameras and a police canine search didn’t turn up anything.
Okanagan Falls Elementary School reopened on Monday with police presence and extra supervision. A perimeter lockdown remained in effect.
Young said the plan was to get back into school routines while taking necessary precautions. Counselling is available to students who need it.
Hewco said the last thing they want is a culture of fear, which is why everyone has to work together.
He admitted the investigation has been “painfully slow and frustrating,” noting they do not have any “usual suspects.” That’s why the police are appealing to the public for help.
“I don’t want to put somebody in jail for this. I want to give them a hand (with their problem),” Hewco said.
During question period, one parent expressed a concern that she didn’t find out about the threat until that evening (February 18), after her kids were in school all day.
Another parent said she only learned about in on Facebook.
Young said as soon as they received details from the police, school staff activated a perimeter lockdown.
Hewco admitted they could have done a better job releasing the information sooner.
Some parents offered to volunteer their time to boost adult supervision at the school this week.
Hewco welcomed that idea and said every effort will be made to have police presence at the school every day. However, he couldn’t promise that for next week or in perpetuity.
“I can have 10 cops here in 10 minutes,” Hewco said.
But local parent Steve Robbins said 10 minutes is a long time if something were to happen at the school.
Parent Myleen Mallach suggested the establishment of a “Block Parent” program in Okanagan Falls.
Hewco said this is a good idea in order to get parents engaged.
Another parent urged others to take a close look at their children and their friends.
Hewco said if the letter is a legitimate threat, somebody likely knows who wrote it.
He reiterated that police want to help the writer, not punish him or her. He also encouraged families to reach out to others who may be troubled.
Anyone with information on the letter can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
