By Robert Jordan
Introduction
School Safety Threat Assessment Report. School safety threat assessment is a proactive, multi-disciplinary process designed to identify, assess, and manage individuals who may pose a risk of violence, including targeted violence like mass shootings or suicide. It moves beyond reactive disciplinary measures and focuses on understanding and mitigating the underlying factors contributing to potential violence. This report outlines the key components of an effective threat assessment process, drawing on best practices and research.
Purpose
The primary purpose of threat assessment is to prevent violence by:
- Identifying individuals exhibiting concerning behaviors.
- Assessing the credibility and imminence of potential threats.
- Developing intervention strategies to address the underlying issues driving the concerning behavior.
- Managing the risk posed by the individual.
- Creating a safer school environment for all.
Key Components of a Threat Assessment Process
1. Establishment of a Threat Assessment Team
A multidisciplinary team is crucial. This team should include:
- School administrator(s)
- School counselor(s)/psychologist(s)
- School resource officer (if available)
- Special education staff (if applicable)
- Other relevant personnel (e.g., teachers, mental health professionals)
2. Training and Protocol Development
All team members should receive comprehensive training on threat assessment principles, procedures, legal considerations (e.g.,
- Cornell, D. G., & Sheras, P. L. (2015). Guidelines for Threat Assessment in Schools. John Wiley & Sons.
, HIPAA), and data privacy. Written protocols should be developed and regularly reviewed.
3. Identification of Concerning Behaviors
Practical threat assessment relies heavily on the ability of school staff, students, and parents to recognize and report concerning behaviors. It is essential to understand that no single behavior definitively predicts violence. Instead, threat assessment focuses on the totality of circumstances and the context in which behaviors occur. A combination of concerning behaviors warrants further investigation, particularly when escalating or persistent.
Potential Warning Signs and Behaviors
These are potential indicators and should be assessed professionally:
Threats and Threat-Related Behaviors:
- Direct Threats: Explicit statements about intending to cause harm (e.g., “I’m going to shoot up the school”).
- Indirect Threats: Vague or veiled statements suggesting an intention to harm (e.g., “Something bad is going to happen”).
- Conditional Threats: Threats made if certain conditions are not met (e.g., “If you don’t stop bothering me, I’m going to hurt you”).
- Implied Threats: Behaviors or statements that suggest a threat, even if not explicitly stated (e.g., possessing a list of targeted individuals).
- Written Expressions of Violence: Violent or disturbing content in writings, drawings, or online posts.
- Interest in Violence or Violent Events: Excessive focus on violent incidents, mass shootings, or terrorist attacks.
Concerning Emotional and Behavioral Changes:
- Increased anger or irritability
- Withdrawal or social isolation
- Expressions of hopelessness or suicidal ideation
- Anxiety, restlessness, or agitation
- Significant changes in sleeping or eating patterns
- Decline in academic performance
- Substance abuse
- Neglecting personal hygiene
Social and Interpersonal Issues:
- Bullying or harassment (as victim or perpetrator)
- Relationship problems or recent break-ups
- Feeling socially rejected or excluded
Concerning Fixations and Ideations:
- Fixation on weapons or violence
- Identification with violent individuals
- Delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, or suspiciousness
4. How to Identify These Individuals at School
- Training for Staff: All school personnel should receive training on recognizing and reporting warning signs.
- Anonymous Reporting Systems: Implement confidential reporting mechanisms (e.g., tip lines, online forms).
- Open Communication: Foster an environment where students feel comfortable reporting concerns.
- Observation and Monitoring: Encourage staff to be observant of behavioral changes.
- Collaboration with Parents: Maintain open communication with parents and guardians to support students.
5. Risk Assessment
The threat assessment team evaluates the level of risk based on:
- The nature and severity of the threat
- The individual’s access to means of violence
- The individual’s history of violence or aggression
- The presence of any concerning mental health issues
- The context surrounding the concerning behavior
6. Intervention and Management
The team develops a tailored intervention plan based on the assessed risk level. This may include:
- Mental health counseling
- Conflict resolution
- Behavioral support
- Increased supervision
- Safety planning
- Law enforcement involvement (if necessary)
7. Ongoing Monitoring and Follow-Up
The team continuously monitors the individual’s behavior and progress, adjusting the intervention plan as needed. Follow-up is essential to ensure effectiveness and prevent future incidents.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Threat assessment must be conducted within legal and ethical boundaries, including:
- FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act): Protecting student privacy and confidentiality.
- HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act): Safeguarding student health information.
- Due Process: Ensuring fairness and protecting students’ rights.
- Duty to Warn: Balancing confidentiality with the duty to protect individuals from harm.
Citations and References
- Cornell, D. G., & Sheras, P. L. (2015). Guidelines for Threat Assessment in Schools. John Wiley & Sons.
- Reddy, M., Borum, R., & Berglund, J. (2010). A Manual for Assessing and Managing Threats of Violence to K-12 Schools. Violence Prevention Works, LLC.
- U.S. Department of Education, Office of Safe and Healthy Students. (Various publications on school safety and threat assessment).
- National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). (Various resources and publications on threat assessment).
Disclaimer
This report provides an overview of school safety threat assessment. Specific procedures and protocols may vary depending on state and local laws and school district policies. Schools should contact SITE|SAFETYNET℠ for guidance on developing and implementing effective threat assessment processes in collaboration with legal counsel and mental health professionals. This information should not be considered legal advice.
