Student Threat Assessment Teams are a collaborative multi-disciplinary approach which are recommended by the U.S. Department of Education
A lot of myths and questions abound regarding threat assessment teams. Is this about profiling? What does threat assessment mean? Do we really need to have a threat assessment team? What actually does a threat assessment team do? Years of experience with the threat assessment team process have shown the essence of the threat assessment team process is reconnecting disenfranchised students.
 In 2002, the Safe School Initiative was released by the U.S. Dept. of Education and U.S. Secret Service; it was re-issued again in 2004. This extensive study examined 37 incidents of school targeted violence that occurred in the United States. Ten key findings were published from this study, the two highest on the list were:

1. “Incidents of targeted violence at school rarely were sudden, impulsive acts.” 
2. “Prior to most incidents, other people knew about the attacker’s idea and/or plan to attack.” 

Information about a school shooting was “knowable” by key stakeholders and the sharing of this “knowable” information could have helped prevent an attack. The U.S. Dept. of Education and the U.S. Secret Service recommend all schools and districts should implement a team process for identifying, assessing and managing students who may pose a threat of targeted violence in schools.
 A threat assessment team consists of stakeholders from the building, district, and community levels who work together to address students who make or pose threats of targeted violence. This collaborative, multi-disciplinary team process brings the various perspectives of those with “protective responsibilities” (law enforcement, mental health, and education) to the same table ensuring no critical information is over-looked or left out.
The threat assessment team will use a four-pronged approach to identify and then increase protective factors, as well as identify and then work to remove risk factors for the student involved.

1. personality factors
2. social dynamics
3. family dynamics
4. school climate 

When should staff be notified of a threat or potential threat? When should a school administrator notify parents and/or the community? What can you share and with whom? Notification of a threat of violence may be mandated by your state. School district and school personnel should know what your state’s requirements are for notification. In Washington State for example, school administrators are required to make notification with in a "timely manner".
Knowing Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) exemptions will assist administrators on how to make a proper notification. One of the FERPA exemptions for sharing information is having a threat assessment team in place.
 The process of developing a threat assessment team begins at the school district level by networking with school and community stakeholders. Team members should be carefully selected considering those who are good communicators and have a working knowledge of law enforcement, mental health and education systems. The most effective people to have on your team will possess these qualities and have the ability to be “boundary spanners” or “connectors” between these systems by increasing the likelihood of getting the needed information swiftly.
 The process of creating a threat assessment can be a simple process. In my experience school districts are successful in one of two ways: selecting a staff person to coordinate the creation of the team or hiring an experienced consultant who will facilitate team creation. If choose to do this yourself you will need a staff person who is skilled in networking, project management and facilitation. This person should attend trainings in threat assessment team development and consult with districts who have implemented this program for best practices.
If you choose to hire a consultant , look for expertise and years of experience in one of the critical areas of law enforcement, education or mental health. The consultant should have experience and training in threat assessment team development.
Threats of violence are happening at our schools every day; some are harmless; some are deadly. Does your school know how to determine the difference between a student who makes a threat to kill and one who actually poses a threat to kill? Having a  threat assessment team in your school and district will help you understand, manage and resolve critical situations in your school.
Martin Speckmaier, School Safety Consultant is a law enforcement veteran and school safety expert who specializes in the development and training of student threat assessment teams for schools, districts, and school communities. Schools consult with Speckmaier to identify the strengths and unique needs of their community and facilitate the implementation of an effective threat assessment team process. The successful  threat assessment teams Speckmaier has created have effectively re-connected disenfranchised students, implemented a standardized student safety assessment process and provided an important part of a comprehensive violence prevention and reduction program for their school district.
 
 
 

Part I: Goal of the Investigation

When conducting an investigation about a threat of violence or potential threat of violence, obtaining as much truthful information as possible is the goal of your investigation. Good communication is your most important asset to reaching that goal.

Your communication skills (or lack of) will make or break your success in obtaining crucial information during a threat investigation. Your choice of words, use of body language and facial expressions all contain micro-messages that you send and will decide whether or not a child, student, victim, witness, suspect, or anyone else will open up and share vital information needed for the investigation.

When preparing for an investigation it is important to consider and understand some of the following motivators for a student not to divulge critical information:

1. Fear of retaliation
2. Fear itself
3. Fear of being labeled a "snitch"
4. Lack of trust for adult authority figures
5. Lack of belief that we will do anything
6. Belief that we will over-react

Law enforcement and educators all have strengths and weaknesses. Some people are very good at interviewing, others are not. Know which one you are and don't be afraid to ask for assistance.

Hone your skills at communication and practice them. If you're not that good of an interveiwer, find a colleague with better skills than you and then strategize for the next step.

A thorough assessment of potential violence can not be completed alone. Team process and collaboration is crucial.