8-07 Threat Determination Document

THREAT DETERMINATION What is a threat assessment?
Threat assessment is the process of evaluating the risk of violence posed by someone who has expressed the intent to inflict harm on another. Threat assessment evaluates the context and circumstances of the threat in order to uncover any evidence that the threat may be carried out. A priority of threat assessments is the development of interventions and follow-up activities that are designed to manage and reduce the risk of violence. Who conducts a threat assessment? Threat assessments are conducted by a multidisciplinary team including: 1. School administrators 2. Mental health professionals (school psychologist, counselor, social worker) 3. School police officer 4. Other professionals (school nurse, teacher) Components of threat assessments: Identification- Identify threats made by students. Evaluation- Evaluate the seriousness of the threat and the danger it poses to others. Discriminate between threats in acknowledgement that not all are the same. *Making a threat is not the same as posing a threat. Is the student on a path toward an attack? (Secret Service/DOE guide). 3. Intervention- Reduction of violence risk. 4. Follow-up- Assessment of intervention strategies and outcomes.
1. 2.
What is a threat? A threat is an expression of intent to harm someone. Threats can be verbal, gestured, or written. They may also be direct or indirect. Weapon possession is presumed to be a threat unless circumstances clearly indicate otherwise:

Direct- Im going to stab you with a hunting knife after school. Indirect- I have the means to do some major destruction here. Third Party- He is going to get what is coming to him. Wait and see. Conditional- You better change my grade or I will kill you. Veiled- My brothers in Red Lake knew how to set things right.
Determination of the seriousness of the threat: Transient Threat or Serious Substantive Threat Not Requiring a Comprehensive Threat Assessment:
Most threats do not genuinely express intent to harm. They may be an expression of feelings of anger or frustration that are temporary in nature. Usually they can be resolved at the office or on the scene.
After some resolution, the threat does not exist anymore. They usually end with an apology or clarification.
Actions following a transient/serious substantive threat: Safety precautions may not be necessary. See that the threat is resolved through conflict resolution, apologies, explanations, making amends. Provide counseling and education where appropriate. Take disciplinary actions if necessary.
Factors to consider: Credibility of student and willingness to acknowledge his/her behavior. Credibility of witness accounts. Age of student, developmental factors. Capability of student to carry out the threat. Students discipline history. When in doubt, treat threats as a very serious substantive threat requiring a comprehensive threat assessment. Substantive threats of assault are serious substantive threats and Threat Assessment Team decides whether a comprehensive threat assessment is warranted or not (Im gonna beat him up).
Very serious or substantive threat requiring comprehensive threat assessment: A very serious substantive threat is much more serious and includes the following components: Intent to injure is beyond immediate situation. There is at least some risk that threat will be carried out. Requires protective action. Police intervention or consultation may be required to address legal violations. The safety of the campus must be maintained if the student is suspended.
Indicators of very serious substantive threats/threats requiring comprehensive threat assessment: Specific, plausible details (Im going to blast Sam Taylor with my pistol.). Threat has been repeated over time (Hes been telling everyone hes going to get you.). Threat reported as a plan or evidence of planning (Wait til you see what happens next Tuesday in the library.). Accomplices or recruitment of accomplices. Physical evidence of intent (written plan, lists of victims, bomb materials, etc.).
Actions following a very serious substantive threat/substantive threat requiring comprehensive evaluation: If danger is imminent, notify law enforcement immediately.
Take precautions to protect potential victims. Notify intended victim and victims parents. Notify parents of student who has made threat. Conduct threat assessment, and assess for historical, social/contextual, individual, and protective factors. Discipline student as appropriate. Ensure safety of student and campus if student is suspended.
Action Plan and interventions (Goal is to reduce the risk of violence): Develop a plan for teaching and for supporting new behavior (e.g., counseling, conflict resolution, etc.). Plan for implementation and monitoring. Set up a timeline to review plan. Document and describe success.

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THREAT DETERMINATION What is a threat assessment?

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