NCJ Number
205573
Date Published
2000
Length
176 pages
Annotation
This videocassette and accompanying manual present a system of silent universal signals for public safety and educational professionals.
Abstract
The videocassette contains a three-part lecture given by the developers of the silent universal signals, Robert Dent and Alan Morris. The purpose of the universal silent signals is so that professionals across many disciplines, including teachers and victims, can communicate with one other effectively. The training video and manual are designed to provide a basic introductory-level course for schools, public safety professionals, and educators. The three phases involved with the training are: (1) understanding the concept; (2) learning the signals; and (3) practice. The content of the training program, with the accompanying manual, includes signals for alcohol and drugs; alarm signals; realistic scenarios and experiential training; the basics of dynamic memory channeling and linking; school safety and violence signals; medical signals; basic universal signals; water and dive signals; and a quick reference chart for American Sign Language. Part 1 of the videocassette introduces the concept of instituting a system of silent universal signals that will enable public safety professionals and educational professionals to silently and effectively communicate distress signals to one another. Part 2 opens with tips on how to prepare a team of first responders to communicate silently and underscores the importance of silent communication with examples of recent violent events. In part 2, both lecturers come together and begin introducing the silent signals. The lecture includes a component on how people learn; a lot of human communication is nonverbal and contains many signals that are already universally known. Part 3 introduces some of the signs of American Sign Language, alarm and distress codes, medical signals, and demonstrates the use of the 20 mile signaling mirror. Also reviewed in part 3 are the red flags signaling violent events or traits. Part 4 begins with medical and fire signals and reviews examples of medical linking. The videocassette contains sensitive information concerning how to promote teacher and staff safety and should not be viewed by students. The video is intended for use with the “Silent Universal Signals for Public Safety and Education Professionals” manual and the “18 Silent Universal Signals for School Safety” poster and lesson plan. The manual provides illustrations of each of the signals covered in the videocassette lecture.