In a study of school shootings by the U.S. Secret Service Safe School Initiative, it was found that prior to most incidents, the attacker told someone about his or her idea or plan. Incidents of targeted violence at school are rarely impulsive. There is no accurate or useful profile of an attacker. Most attackers had used guns previously and had access to guns. School staff members are often the first responders. In many cases, other students were involved in some capacity. In a number of cases, bullying played a key role in the decision to attack. And warning signs are common.

“It is important that threat assessment inquiry involve efforts to gather information from anyone who may have contact with the student in question,” the report advises. “It also is important to decrease barriers that may prevent students who have information from coming forward. In addition, schools and investigators need a thoughtful, effective system for handling and analyzing any information that is provided.”

The study adds, “A significant problem in preventing targeted violence is determining how best to respond to students who are already known to be in trouble. This study indicated the importance of giving attention to students who are having difficulty coping with major losses or perceived failures, particularly when feelings of desperation and hopelessness are involved.”

One system was put to the test this week at Kingston High School, resulting in the arrest of a former student who allegedly voiced to friends his intent to “shoot up the school”; and the arrest of three more students and a transient for allegedly threatening witnesses in the case.

In July, the North Kitsap School District joined Olympic Educational Service District 114’s School Safety and Security Cooperative. According to a letter to the school district from service district superintendent Greg Lynch, the cooperative was created to help districts and schools “to prevent, prepare [for], and respond to school safety and security issues.”

The cooperative is funded, at least in part, by fees paid by participating districts. Fees are based on enrollment. NKSD pays $2 per student, or $11,886 based on 5,942 students, to participate, according to the letter from Lynch.

In this effort, participating school districts will identify training needs for school personnel, parents and students; partner and work with local agencies, including law enforcement, public safety, public health, mental health and local government, in improving and strengthening school safety and security plans.

The cooperative establishes a “Cooperative board and Advisory Committee to “support school safety and security efforts and provide direction in prioritizing co-op activities” and “provide a consistent level of service and expertise across the region to (co-op members) in school safety and security.”

The cooperative is designed to improve the capacity of schools and school staff to prevent and respond to an emergency; training of first-responders, school staff and other community members will be a big part of that. What will result is a shared approach in emergency management and response among first responders and schools.

We encourage, and are encouraged by, this effort.