On February 1, 2017, the Winchester Police Department assisted Winchester Public Schools with a Lock Out in the district due to information received via social media. John Handley High School was placed in a Lock Out at 11:05 a.m. as a precautionary safety measure. The Lock Out was lifted at 12:40 p.m. At no time was any student or staff member in danger.
School leaders received information through social media that was of concern, and therefore initiated Lock Out procedures. Officers with the Winchester Police Department assisted with securing the building and ensuring no one entered or exited the building, per protocol. All other schools in the district were also put under Lock Out for a short time as a precaution.
The situation was resolved quickly due to established protocols and existing partnerships between the Winchester Police Department and Winchester Public Schools.