4 Emergency Response - Santa Cruz County Office of Education

Emergency Response
Types of Emergencies: Threats
Threats
Important Details
Team Approach:
Threat assessment should not be
performed by a single individual.
There may be a coordinating staff
member, but it is essential to share
and discuss information with all
members of the threat assessment
team. This enhances decision
making by ensuring that different
perspectives are represented (e.g.,
psychological, administrative,
medical, etc.) and discussed.
Access to weapons:
Depending on the nature of
the threat, it is essential that a
student’s access to weapons,
especially firearms, be evaluated.
Consider access at the homes of
parents, friends and relatives. Ask
parents about weapons access and
advise them about safe storage.
Inform them that potential for
dangerousness is highest when a
child is in emotional distress and
the child has access to a means to
do harm.
What: A threat is an expression of intent to harm a person or property. A threat
can be spoken, written, or symbolic (e.g., a gesture). A threat can be
direct, indirect, veiled or conditional (see Expanded Guidelines below).
Why: All threats must be taken seriously and evaluated to address
safety concerns. Action must be taken to prevent harm
from being carried out. A threat may be a crime.
Who: Any staff member must immediately report and respond to a
threat. The Site Administrator should be notified immediately.
How:
Response
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Call the District Office
Call 911 if there is imminent danger
Detain the student making the threat to keep others safe from harm
Do not allow access to backpack, purse, locker, and other personal
property
The Site Administrator should convene a school team to evaluate the
threat
Direct the building team to evaluate the threat
Conduct search of school and personal property following
procedures
Receive findings from the threat assessment team
Determine if disciplinary action and/or Police involvement is required
Notify parents of situation, concerns, and course of action
Complete School/Site Incident Report
Send report the District Office
Em e r g e n c y Re s p o n s e & Crisis Ma n a g e m e n t 4.40 2007 – 2008