Deep Reads: Children joked about school shootings. Then the sheriff sent them to jail.

Update: 2025-02-22

Digest

This podcast investigates the aftermath of school shootings, focusing on the significant increase in threats and arrests, particularly among children. Reporters Hannah Nansen and John Woodrow Cox detail their investigation, which involved analyzing data from school districts and news articles. Their research highlights the controversial approach of Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood, who publicly "perp walks" children accused of making threats. The podcast features case studies of children like Lori and Armando, illustrating the devastating emotional consequences of arrest and public shaming. Experts in child psychology and criminology criticize this zero-tolerance approach, arguing it's overly punitive and ineffective. The podcast concludes by discussing the broader impact of school threats on students, teachers, and the educational system, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that prioritizes both safety and the well-being of children.

Outlines

00:00:00

The Aftermath of School Shootings: Threats, Arrests, and Public Shaming

Washington Post reporters investigate the surge in school threats and arrests following mass shootings, focusing on the controversial "perp walking" of children in Volusia County, Florida, and the long-term consequences for those involved.

00:03:45

Volusia County Case Study: Sheriff Chitwood's Approach and its Critics

A detailed examination of Sheriff Mike Chitwood's aggressive approach to school threats, including interviews with students, school officials, and the sheriff himself, along with critiques from child psychology and criminology experts.

00:20:49

Long-Term Impacts and the Need for a Balanced Approach

The podcast explores the lasting emotional toll on children arrested for making threats, discusses the broader implications for schools and communities, and advocates for a more balanced response to school threats that considers both safety and children's well-being.

Keywords

School Shooting Threats

Threats made against schools following mass shootings, causing significant disruption and fear.

Perp Walking

Publicly parading arrested individuals, especially controversial when applied to children.

Zero Tolerance Policy

Strict disciplinary approach with no exceptions, debated for its effectiveness and fairness in schools.

Social Media Threats

Threats made via social media platforms, easily spread and difficult to control.

Child Psychology

Study of children's mental and emotional development, crucial in understanding threats made by children.

School Security

Measures to protect schools from violence, including technology, staff, and procedures.

School Safety

The overall safety and security measures implemented in schools to prevent violence and threats.

Emotional Trauma

The significant emotional distress experienced by children following arrest and public shaming.

Q&A

What was the main finding of the reporters' investigation into school threats following mass shootings?
A significant increase in both threats and arrests, with a disproportionate rise in arrests of children.
What was Sheriff Chitwood's approach to dealing with school threats, and what were the consequences?
Sheriff Chitwood publicly shamed children through "perp walking," leading to national debate and causing significant trauma to the children involved.
What are the arguments for and against Sheriff Chitwood's zero-tolerance policy?
Supporters argue it deters threats, while critics argue it's overly punitive and traumatizes children. Child psychology experts question its effectiveness.
What is the lasting impact on children arrested and publicly shamed?
Significant emotional trauma, including fear, anxiety, and social isolation.
What are the broader implications of this issue for schools and communities?
School threats create widespread fear and disruption, highlighting the need for a balanced approach prioritizing both safety and children's well-being.

Show Notes

An analysis of news reports by The Washington Post found that at least 477 people — 90 percent of them students — were arrested in the two weeks after the Apalachee High massacre in Georgia. That’s nearly 100 more than in the aftermath of the three previous mass school shootings combined.

In Volusia County, Florida, the elected sheriff, Mike Chitwood, a registered Independent and brash Philadelphia native, decided he’d had enough. In September 2024, he deployed dozens of deputies and spent an extra $21,000 in taxpayer money. On a single night, his office received 54 tips.

Reporters Hannah Natanson and John Woodrow Cox document the real-life effects of Volusia’s aggressive response on children, parents, teachers, administrators and police officers.

This story is part of our Deep Reads series, which showcases narrative journalism at The Washington Post. It was read by John Woodrow Cox. Audio production and original music by Bishop Sand.