Understanding Threat Assessment

Threat assessment is a structured process for evaluating whether a student who has made a threat or engaged in threatening behavior poses a risk of carrying out that threat.

Key principle: Most students who make threats do not carry them out. The goal is to distinguish between threats that are expressions of frustration and those that indicate genuine risk.

The Threat Assessment Process

Step 1: Identify the Threat

• Direct threats ("I'm going to hurt you")
• Indirect threats ("Someone should blow up this school")
• Written threats (notes, social media posts)
• Behavioral indicators (weapons fascination, target selection)

Step 2: Assess the Threat

Evaluate using the four-pronged assessment model (FBI/Secret Service):

1. Personality — Does the student have a history of coping with problems? Resilience? Mental health concerns?
2. Family dynamics — Is the family supportive? Is there access to weapons? Is there a history of violence or abuse?
3. School dynamics — Does the student feel connected? Are there bullying or peer issues? Is there a disciplinary history?
4. Social dynamics — Does the student have a peer support network? Is there influence from extremist content? Is there substance use?

Step 3: Manage the Threat

Based on the assessment:

Step 4: Follow Up

• Continue monitoring the student
• Provide ongoing support services
• Re-assess if new information emerges
• Communicate with the family regularly

Team-Based Approach

Threat assessment should be conducted by a multi-disciplinary team including:

• Administrator (dean or principal)
• School counselor
• School psychologist
• School resource officer (if available)
• Others as needed (teacher, social worker)