NCJ Number
199629
Journal
Sheriff Volume: 55 Issue: 2 Dated: March-April 2003 Pages: 22-26
Date Published
March 2003
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article presents some findings and recommendations from a series of seminars sponsored by the FBI's Behavioral Science Unit beginning in 1998 for the purpose of better understanding and countering the school shooter phenomena.
Abstract
Generally, the school shooters discussed in the seminars were all white males, under the age of 18. Most came from "troubled" families and viewed themselves as "different" compared to the general student population at their schools. Some were apparently bullied and may have exhibited signs of depression. Some expressed an interest in suicide. Others manifested an unusual fascination with school shootings and violent themes. In some instances, a significant event, such as an embarrassing interaction with classmates, a breakup in a relationship, or a conflict with a parent occurred just prior to the shooting. An examination of the circumstance surrounding the shootings yielded the identification of three spheres of concern: the social context within which the school shooter functioned, the dynamics of the school that he attended, and the shooter's response to his environment. One of the recommendations from the seminars is that parents, teachers, counselors, administrators, and students listen to what individual youth say and take any threats seriously. This means reporting them to a person in authority who can take appropriate preventive action. Further, the seminar participants recommend that schools be more proactive in identifying potential problems. This can include establishing a uniformed law enforcement presence in the schools; creating an anonymous telephone tip line; forging a partnership with local law enforcement agencies; encouraging seminars that promote partnerships among law enforcement agencies, parents, and school officials; and supporting school mentoring programs. 17 references