What starts in the school hallways doesn’t always end when the bell rings. This week, Portsmouth Police found themselves pulled into schoolyard drama that had escalated into police calls, angry parents, and demands for charges.
😡 When Schoolyard Drama Spills Over
- Police were called after a parent reported her daughter was being menaced by another student.
- Officers learned the entire incident had already been captured on school surveillance video.
- The case had been sent to juvenile court for review.
But the mom wanted assault charges filed. After reviewing the video, officers said there was no evidence of assault—and reminded her the matter was already handled through the school.
📲 Social Media = Fuel to the Fire
Officers advised parents:
- Keep screenshots of any threatening or harassing posts.
- Track patterns of behavior—because a single post may not meet the bar for charges, but repeated harassment could.
- Bring everything to police if the issues continue outside of school grounds.
👉 Lesson: Don’t just let it slide. Documentation is your best weapon.
👊 Another Call, Another Conflict
Later, police were called again after a mother said:
- Her son was physically assaulted by a girl at school.
- The girl’s father then verbally went after him.
- The mom said she’d already spoken to the school resource officer, but wanted more done and even considered pressing charges.
💡 Why Reporting Matters
School disputes can turn ugly fast. When parents and kids feel threatened, it’s tempting to go straight for legal action—but here’s why it’s important to report issues the right way:
- 🎥 Video surveillance and resource officers make sure the story is straight.
- 📝 Police reports and screenshots create a paper trail that can stand up in court if things escalate.
- 🧑⚖️ Juvenile court handles these matters seriously, even when it starts with “kid stuff.”
👉 Bottom line: Kids need safe schools, parents need peace of mind, and police need evidence. Reporting, documenting, and working with the system may feel slow, but it’s the best way to turn playground threats into real accountability.
