Threat Assessment in Schools: A Guide to Managing Threatening Situations and to Creating Safe School Climates

Publication Date: 2002
Tag(s): active shooter, active threat, behavioral threat assessment, strategies, threat assessment, violence prevention
Author(s): United States Secret Service (USSS), U.S. Secret Service (USSS), U.S. Department of Education (ED)
Abstract: This publication is the product of an ongoing collaboration between the Secret Service and the Department of Education. The focus is on the use of the threat assessment process pioneered by the Secret Service as one component of the Department of Education's efforts to help schools across the nation reduce school violence and create safe climates. This guide sets forth a process for identifying, assessing, and managing students who may pose a threat of targeted violence in schools. The guide also includes suggestions for developing a threat assessment team within a school or school district, steps to take when a threat or other information of concern comes to light, consideration about when to involve law enforcement personnel, issues of information sharing, and ideas for creating safe school climates.