By Robert Jordan
Targeted School Violence Is Preventable
- 94% of students who planned attacks told someone beforehand.
- Early reporting saves lives.
- No profile predicts violence — but early action can prevent it.
What Is a Threat Assessment Program?
A proactive strategy to:
- Identify threats early.
- Assess the level of risk.
- Intervene with supportive actions.
Threat assessments are not criminal investigations — they’re about prevention, not punishment.
✅ Origin: Developed by the U.S. Secret Service to stop violence before it starts.
Building a Threat Assessment Team
Team members should include:
- School leaders, counselors, teachers, and coaches
- Nurses, mental health professionals
- Law enforcement or SROs
Keys to Success:
✔️ Regular collaboration
✔️ Shared training
✔️ Clear protocols
Establishing a Reporting Program
Early reporting = early intervention.
Consider:
- Anonymous tip lines, apps, and trusted adults
- Multiple reporting options
- Swift triage and response
Students often notice concerns before staff do — empower them to speak up safely.
Training the Whole School Community
Everyone — students, staff, parents — must:
- Recognize warning signs.
- Know how to report.
- Trust the system to act.
Student-led awareness campaigns boost reporting.
Responding to Reports
An effective response includes:
- Gathering information.
- Multidisciplinary risk assessment.
- Taking appropriate action.
Possible actions:
- Increased monitoring
- Counseling or support services
- Parental or staff notifications
Transparency builds trust — and future reporting.
Trusted Resources
- Averting Targeted School Violence (USSS Report)
- Threat Assessment Model Guide
- Bystander Reporting Toolkit
- School Tip Line Toolkit
- Foundations of Violence Prevention Training (DHS)
- Master Trainer Program (DHS)
✅ Explore more at SITE|SAFETYNET℠
Why It Matters
When students feel unsafe, learning comes to a halt.
When warning signs are ignored, tragedy strikes.
Strong threat assessment and reporting systems:
- Prevent violence.
- Protect students and staff.
- Create safer schools.
SITE|SAFETYNET℠ makes school safety real-time, actionable, and continuous — because safety isn’t optional.
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