(release from Public Information Officer Sergeant J. Johnson)
The North Platte Police Department understands that threats involving our schools create fear and uncertainty for students, staff, and parents/guardians. The safety of our school community remains our highest priority, and we stand alongside North Platte Public Schools in that shared commitment. Many of us here at the North Platte Police Department are also parents of children who attend North Platte Public Schools, and we share the concern this situation caused. We thank the school district for their immediate response and continued dedication to student and staff safety.
On Monday, March 23, 2026, school administration and the School Resource Officer at North Platte High School were notified of a phone call from a subject threatening a bomb or explosive device on campus.
The School Resource Officer and school administrators immediately activated emergency protocols, initiating a full evacuation using the Standard Response Protocol and established safety procedures. The building was cleared within minutes, and all students and staff were immediately and safely accounted for.
Law enforcement, with the assistance of school administrators, conducted an initial comprehensive search of the building, followed by a second, more methodical search of both the school and surrounding campus. These searches involved uniformed and plainclothes officers, as well as drone technology. No threats were identified during either search.
While searches were ongoing, North Platte Public Schools personnel coordinated a controlled release of students from Bauer Field, supported by a police presence to ensure safety and order.
After the building was thoroughly searched and deemed safe, staff were allowed to return to their classrooms and retrieve personal items. Staff were also asked to report anything out of place or suspicious within their work areas. Staff was released from the building and later returned in the afternoon to assist students returning to retrieve their personal items and vehicles.
As an added precaution, the Nebraska State Patrol provided an explosives detection K9 to assist in searching sensitive areas of the campus. At no time were any explosives or devices located.
This incident remains an active investigation. At this time, the caller has not been identified. The North Platte Police Department is actively pursuing all leads and utilizing all available resources.
If you have any information that might help this investigation, please contact the North Platte Police Department at 308-535-6789. To remain anonymous, you may contact Lincoln County Crime Stoppers at LincolnCountyCrimeStoppers.com or call 1-800-933-TIPS.
We appreciate the cooperation, patience, and resilience of our community during this incident.
For more information on school safety protocols, including the Standard Response Protocol, please visit:
