Virginia Beach is launching a new program aimed at addressing and minimizing school-related threats.
The new program, called the School Threat Offense Program (STOP), was introduced by the Virginia Beach Court Services Unit and the Virginia Beach Police Department and consists of a five-week educational course for youth adjudicated on school-related threats.
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According to a release, each week of the program will focus on different aspects of accountability, behavioral awareness and community safety, including applicable laws and rules, bullying prevention and consequences of harmful actions.
During the program, School Resource Officers will speak with both parents and students about different support strategies, accessing school-based resources and the impact school threats on the larger community.
Parents of the first graduates of the program, which concluded on May 21, 2025, said they have noticed considerable changes in their children, such as increased emotional regulation, accountability and academic progress.
“We have long needed a program like STOP,” VBPD Lt. Kevin Lokey said. “Education, engagement and empowerment from the program produce a positive turnaround for these kids and their families. STOP is designed to reduce juvenile incarceration while still correcting behaviors and helping youths learn from their mistakes.”
For more information on the program, click here.