iWatchTexas data shows the state’s school threat reports increased in September, but DPS officials say awareness of the program may be to blame

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — In southeast Texas, schools have faced a barrage of threats and, in some cases, actual violence.

“We’re tired of this,” one Houston ISD parent told ABC13.

Knife fights, school shootings, and people making phone calls and threats are driving students and parents crazy.

“It’s definitely pretty scary, especially for me attending Lamar. I feel like it’s hard to be on guard all the time,” said the Lamar High School student.

Montgomery and Harris County prosecutors told Eyewitness News that school threats prompted them to bring charges against several people.

“It’s not funny. This is not a joke. This has real consequences and tell someone that, because unfortunately we can’t know what’s in someone’s head and what’s in their heart,” said Shanna Redwine, Montgomery County Prosecutor.

People seem to be taking this advice seriously as reports of threats in schools are on the rise, according to state officials.

iWatchTexaswebsite and app to report school threats and suspicious activity, the number of reports has reached an all-time high.

iWatchTexas said 63 reports were reported in September 2022, 89 in September 2023, and 204 in September this year.

DPS said that while there are more threats to schools, that’s not the only reason the data is rising.

“I contribute greatly to the awareness and campaign of the program; of course, our DPS intelligence and counterterrorism division also contributed to the increase,” Sgt. said Stephen Woodard.

DPS said people now have a centralized place to report threats and the process is anonymous and quick, and more people are making efforts to step up and report potential crimes against schools.

“It warms our hearts that people are actually using this valuable app and program to keep the community safe,” Woodard said.

You can report a school threat at: iWatchTexas.org via a free app or website.

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