NCJ Number
123413
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 59 Issue: 5 Dated: (May 1990) Pages: 5-8
Date Published
1990
Length
4 pages
Annotation
A Florida high school has established a suicide crisis intervention team composed of two assistant principals; two guidance counselors; and the school's resource officer, who is a police officer; who counsels students, teaches classes, and acts as resource for the school in addition to performing law enforcement duties.
Abstract
Most Florida school districts have full-time school resource officers (SRO) assigned to specific schools. They also receive training in crisis intervention and are the only person on school campuses with the authority to require and transport a student for involuntary psychiatric evaluation. They and other members of the suicide crisis intervention team are trained to identify students who may be considering suicide, and they instruct teachers about the warning signs of suicide. A team member evaluates each referred student to obtain help if necessary. During a suicide attempt at school or a barricade situation that may result in suicide, the SRO helps ensure safety by locating and securing weapons and drugs from the student, removing onlookers, and persuading the student to go to a secure area such as an office. The team program emphasizes quick responses, positive relationships with students, awareness of available resources, and understanding of basic identification and assessment techniques. Checklists and footnote.