SAFEGUARDING THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY: A STANDARDIZED APPROACH TO STATEWIDE BEHAVIORAL THREAT ASSESSMENT PROGRAMS
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Authors
McDavitt, James IV
Subjects
school safety
school security
behavioral threat assessment program
targeted school violence
prevention strategies
standardization
school security
behavioral threat assessment program
targeted school violence
prevention strategies
standardization
Advisors
Simeral, Robert L.
Morag, Nadav
Dahl, Erik J.
Date of Issue
2022-09
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
This thesis reviews a series of past school-setting incidents, assesses data on the characteristics and management of those situations, and documents existing practices and mandates with government agency protocols and recommendations to evaluate early signs of threat through behavioral threat assessment and management. Specifically, it presents case studies examining policies and actions facilitated to address violent episodes in the following schools: STEM School Highlands Ranch in Douglas County, Colorado; Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida; Santa Fe High School in Santa Fe, Texas; and Arapahoe High School in Centennial, Colorado. This thesis analyzes these schools’ policies and protocols, flaws, and weaknesses revealed in the aftermath of the incidents; surveys state legislation before and after the attacks; and details violence prevention initiatives at the federal level. This thesis finds that threat assessment programs can help identify students who pose a threat to the school’s environment and help schools better prepare appropriate interventions before attacks are carried out. The components of effective threat assessment programs include creating consistent training, communicating protocols and policies, utilizing the same language across districts, and engaging in broad community outreach.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
National Security Affairs (CHDS)
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NPS Report Number
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Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.
Rights
Copyright is reserved by the copyright owner.