JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Students are back in class at the University of North Florida Tuesday after false reports of an armed individual on campus Monday canceled classes.
Police determined that the threat was called in from off-campus by a 74-year-old woman and found to be not credible.
Reports of a person with a gun leading to an alert sent to students and staff. But some didn’t get the warning immediately.
The school’s information technology service is investigating what it said was “unacceptable.”
We spoke with Tyler Wildman — a technology expert who also trains clients for active shooter drills. He is not affiliated with the school or the investigation.
“Technology doesn’t always work the way it’s intended, more common than that people don’t always operate the technology correctly,” Wildman said.
Students told First Coast News about the issue in delayed warning including being in a classroom where the lack of information creates confusion in how to respond.
“One of my friends got a text from someone in student government saying there was something going on but my professor didn’t believe her so we stayed a while after we were supposed to leave,” student Archana Sing said.
The University has a detailed plan on paper and says it holds tests to ensure the system functions.
"When a person is surprised when something is going on it could mean that person needs more drills and more execution to be in line with the plan,” Wildman said.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office determined the threat was made by a 74-year-old woman with a mental health issue. Police say she was admitted to a facility following the incident.
UNF says until the investigation and a crisis team briefing is complete, the school does not wish to comment.