Police and school officials clash over security protocols following a bomb threat at Ridgeview Middle School.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Police body camera video shows a viral interaction between the principal of a Columbus middle school and a Columbus police officer over school security protocols.
On March 17, officers were alerted to a bomb threat at Ridgeview Middle School. According to a report from the Columbus Division of Police, the student reportedly said he only made the statement because he was mad that he had to change his classroom.
School leaders, who called the police, told officers that the school did not wish to pursue charges. Police were not told if the student would face consequences but reportedly observed the student leaving the school with a parent.
When officers arrived at the school, they were let into the office, but were told by the secretary behind the desk that they would have to wait for the security guard to come get them.
One of the officers was heard saying, “I’m here on official police business.”
“I know. I get that. I just radioed for security and you just have to wait for him to come in here and pick you up. OK? OK. Thank you," the secretary said.
The officer and secretary continued talking back and forth about whether or not they were allowed to go back without a security escort.
After the security guard arrived and opened a door to lead the officers back to a conference room, the officer was heard saying, “This is not acceptable at all.”
Principal Natalie James then arrived and led the officers and security guard back to the front office and said, “I just heard a lot of chaos and I was in a meeting.”
The officer told James about not being let in without a security guard and said he shouldn’t have to wait to be let in.
“You should be welcoming us. You called us. If you don’t want me here, and if you want me to beg you to get through that door, don’t call me,” the officer was heard telling the principal.
“What I do know is, and I want to make sure this is on camera too — we felt a lot of disrespect by some of the members of the Columbus Police Department, including yourself, sir. What just transpired here? I do not know. But, we definitely did call you today," James said.
“How have we disrespected you?” asked the officer.
“Oh, at one point in time one of your colleagues, just even your demeanor right now. Your demeanor is off,” James responded.
“'Cause I’m not into playing games,” the officer said.
“Well, I’m not into playing games either, sir," James said.
James cited district protocols multiple times and said the district said that police can’t go all over the building and do whatever they want to do.
“Now, if it was an active shooter, that’s something totally different, but that’s not what’s going on right now,” James said.
After continued conversation, the security guard handed the officer a report and the officers headed out of the school.
A letter was sent out to families on the day of the incident by the principal, saying that a scholar made a threatening remark during a classroom interaction and police responded.
The letter also states that disciplinary action was taken.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost took to X to post about the interaction.
He posted, “No principal in Ohio has the right to keep responding police out of a school building. The principal’s conduct was unacceptable. I spoke with the Chief, who told me the police completed their mission. A meeting between the chief and the school superintendent is set for next week.”
Columbus City Schools’ Chief of Staff Mike De Fabbo sent the following statement:
“Columbus City Schools and the Columbus Division of Police have reviewed video of the interactions between school staff and a CPD Officer at Ridgeview Middle School on March 17, 2025. CCS Principals and CPD Officers are both trained in de-escalation procedures and serve to treat all Columbus residents with respect, dignity, and fairness. CCS Employee Relations is reviewing the incident on behalf of CCS, and the Department of the Inspector General is reviewing on behalf of CPD.
“CCS and CPD leaders have regular standing meetings to ensure and promote the safety of students, staff and community members in and around CCS schools. Columbus City Schools Superintendent Dr. Angela Chapman and Columbus Police Department Chief Elaine Bryant reviewed and discussed the video, and will join an upcoming meeting with their combined leadership teams to reinforce their commitments and expectations.”
Brian Steel, the president of the Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge #9, issued a statement in support of the officers.
"Police work is already an incredibly difficult and scrutinized profession, and our officers should never face backlash or inspector general investigations for simply doing their job and prioritizing the safety of our communities' children. The officers involved acted with integrity, courage, and sound judgment in a challenging situation.
"Any effort to discipline or undermine this officer for putting student safety first — and for calling out unacceptable behavior by school leadership — will be dealt with swiftly and accordingly by this Lodge. We will not stand idly by while those who serve and protect are made the scapegoat for failed leadership elsewhere.
"The safety of our schools and the trust of our community depend on mutual respect and cooperation — not obstruction. We urge all community stakeholders to stand with the officers who put themselves on the line for our children every day."
