ATLANTA — Patrols are set to be increased throughout Atlanta Public Schools on Thursday, amid what the district police department calls "social media posts currently circulating about threats of violence."
A message about the increased patrols and social media threats went to parents on Wednesday. So far no threats have been deemed credible within APS, a district spokesman said, but officials are being vigilant in the wake of the deadly shooting last week at Apalachee High School.
Districts across metro Atlanta and north Georgia have been seen online threats mushroom since the September 4 shooting, which killed four people and injured nine.
RELATED: More than 30 teens charged over school threats across north Georgia since Apalachee High shooting
11Alive's Cody Alcorn reported Wednesday that more than 30 teens have been charged, often with felony terroristic threats, since the shooting at Apalachee. The state Department of Juvenile Justice told 11Alive that 24 teens were booked into its facilities in the 48 hours that followed the Barrow County school shooting.
Atlanta Public Schools is also dealing with the copycat threats. The school system police department said in its message announcing increased patrols that it's working with the FBI, GBI and Atlanta Police Department "to monitor and investigate threatening social media posts."
The increased patrols at APS schools on Thursday will include support from APD and the Fulton County Sheriff's Office, the message said.
"Your safety, security, and well-being are our highest priorities," it stated. "We are committed to implementing all necessary safety measures to safeguard them and maintain a secure learning and working environment. We have asked schools to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity."
In a separate statement, an APS spokesman reiterated that the safety of students and staff "is our top priority."
"Like many school districts across the state, we have experienced an uptick in threats since the tragedy last week at Apalachee High School. Although none have been deemed credible, we take every threat seriously and our APS Police Department investigates them to the fullest," the statement said. "Out of an abundance of caution we will continue to partner with APD and Fulton County to provide increased law enforcement presence whenever possible. We ask students, parents, and community members to remain vigilant and continue to use our Say Something anonymous reporting system."
The APS Police Department, meanwhile, asks parents for their "continued vigilance and support in this endeavor."
They're directed to use the Say Something anonymous reporting system "and encourage your children to report any suspicious behavior or comments."