Modesto area schools found themselves at the center of anxiety and vigilance Today, due to threats of school shootings circulating on social media. The Modesto Police Department, responding to concerns from parents and the community, issued a statement earlier today stating their awareness of the threats and the actions they’re taking to address the situation. According to a post on the Modesto Police Department’s Facebook page, although they believe these threats to be specific to areas outside of Modesto, they are not taking any chances with student safety.