Protecting America's Schools: A U.S. Secret Service Analysis of Targeted School Violence

• 2019

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• Lina Alathari; Diana Drysdale; Steven Driscoll; Ashley Blair; David Mauldin; Arna Carlock

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About

This report describes a U.S. Secret Service study of 41 school attacks from 2008 to 2017. It finds there is no single profile for attackers or schools targeted. Most attackers had experienced bullying, stress, and problems at home; many showed warning signs before the attack. Many used guns taken from home and had mental health or behavior issues. The report says that early intervention, threat assessment teams, better reporting systems, strong school climates against bullying, and teamwork between schools and law enforcement can help prevent future violence in schools.

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Tags

Focus Areas: CBRNE; Mental Health; Trauma; Violence

Audiences: Behavioral Health Professionals; Emergency Managers; EMS Clinicians; Nurses; Physicians; Schools & Childcare Providers

Emergency Management Stage: Preparedness (Prevention / Protection)

Keywords: Adolescent Behavior; Child Behavior Disorders; Family Relations; Firearms; Mental Health; Schools; Security Measures; Social Environment; Students; Law Enforcement; Bullying; Risk Assessment

Institutions: U.S. Department of Homeland Security

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