School Shootings and School Terrorist Attacks: Identification, Intervention, and Tactical Response (From Public Policing in the 21st Century: Issues and Dilemmas in the U.S. and Canada, P 155-183, 2005, John F. Hodgson and Catherine Orban, eds. -- See NCJ-209717)

• NCJ Number: 209724
• Author(s): David B. Stein
• Date Published: 2005
• Length: 29 pages
• Sale Source: Criminal Justice Press/Willow Tree Press
• Publication Format: Book Chapter
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This chapter provides guidelines to assist in preparing for possible school shootings or terrorist attacks in the 21st century by understanding school, social, family, and student dynamics and assessing a potential threat.

Abstract

The 21st century has already begun with several mass school shootings, however not all have received widespread publicity. All educational institutions, from elementary/middle school to colleges/universities, are urged to take seriously the threat of more school shootings, and possible terrorist assaults. This chapter discusses the clear need for law enforcement, especially at the local levels, to be better prepared and to engage in cooperative efforts with school and community personnel. Three steps that agencies can take are presented: (1) identification of the characteristics of potential perpetrators; (2) preventive and educational steps that can be undertaken cooperatively with school and community personnel; and (3) tactical training for first responder officers. The chapter is intended to emphasize proactive steps that can be taken in order to prevent reactive tragedies. Discussion questions and references