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School Violence and Emergency Planning for Potential Threats in Schools
Length of Seminar:
2 Days
Instructor: Paul Mendofik
Course Overview:
To help your agency prepare for the unexpected emergencies associated with school violence. Introduce what is needed for to address the two critical strategies which can successfully address such crisis. These two strategies encompass intervention and Mitigation.
Numerous after-action reports have identified the necessity of maintaining a proactive posture that identifies potential risk and vulnerability before the event occurs. Through behavior recognition, defined action steps and the development of a multi-disciplinary team, an Intervention Strategy can be implemented.
Once the event begins, delayed reaction time becomes an enemy. In examining the consequences of delayed action time, the results are increased casualties. Developing a Mitigation Strategy will maximize survivability through planning, practice, review, revision and training.
Introduction to Critical
Incident Operation Planning: This session will familiarize
the student with the different planning techniques associated
with a single or multi-agency response to a critical incident.
They will learn how to manage the incident as well as day
to day operations. It will show methods on how to recover
and return your agency to normal operations.
Incident Management
System: The student will learn the principles behind
the Incident Command System and how to implement them. They
will also learn why the system fits any emergency encountered.
Past Incidents:
Tragedies such as Pearl Mississippi, West Paducah, Kentucky,
Jonesboro, Arkansas, Springfield, Oregon, and Littleton,
Colorado, will be discussed to gain insight into the problems
that were encountered by the responding agencies.
Identifying Character Traits and Motives: To take advantage of one of the key components in an Intervention Strategy, planners and responders must understand the risk. This component is designed to examine the empirical data of past incidents. It not only examines the demographic location but, it also seeks to assist those in attendance to understand the underlying behavioral traits of the offenders. Additionally, behavioral traits and victim dynamics are explored to identify those levels of risk and develop a strategy to reduce that risk.
Intervention Analysis Team: All hazard planning contributes to the successful intervention and mitigation of crisis. To maximize success, a multi disciplinary team is developed to take the totality of circumstance and utilize the teams’ skill sets to quickly identify, then address indicators requiring action. The emphasis is on information sharing, trust, commitment to action and a unified action plan dedicated to problem resolution.
Introduction to Terrorism: Recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, terrorism is a reality schools should prepare for. An introduction is provided to examine what are potential targets, how can preventative measures be taken and what mitigation steps may be required.
Managing School Emergencies
Team Building and Emergency Planning: These are the fundamental principles in successful crisis planning. Those in attendance will be involved in skill building that emphasizes the value of maximizing success by maximizing the joint contributions made. Identifying tasks and responsibilities, participants cooperatively apply their individual resources, to the overall plan success.
Lockdown Practices and Protocols: The attendees provide both practical and stimulating responses to the questions related to creating a secure area when faced with a potential lethal threat. With the diversity of school design and geographic location, the facilitated discussion brings forth many intriguing and innovative solutions.
Enhancing Preparedness Through Reality Based Training: Learning techniques and strategies are not enough. Stakeholders need to apply these to anticipated events. Attendees will be introduced to principles and benefits of progressive training. Discussion will not only address physical exercises but, visualization training as well.
Recognizing Stakeholders in School Emergencies: The question often arises, “Whom shall we involve in our plan?” Attendees will have the opportunity to have stakeholders identified and their potential roles realized. Here we not only learn why a particular group of individuals are being considered but also the essential need to ensure interoperability with each of the other stakeholders.
In-Class Practical Exercise: On the second day of the presentation attendees, from the various disciplines, are placed into groups. Here they designate their Incident Command structure and assign their expanding resources. Each group provides a verbal report to the entire audience so the overall decision making process can be enhanced.
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