Thorner - BCSD Static Server - Bakersfield City School District

Safe School Plan ContinuedBCSD Safety Procedure:THREAT ASSESSMENTA threat is identified by school staff/principalStep 1. Evaluate the threat. Obtain a specific account of the threat by interviewing the student who made the threat, the recipient of the threat,and other witnesses. Write down the facts and allegation(s) to include statements made and the conduct by each party. Consider the circumstances in which the threat was made and the student’s intentions.Step 2. Decide whether the threat is transient or substantive. Consider the criteria for transient 1 versus substantive threats 2 & 3 Consider the student’s age, credibility, and previous discipline history.The threat is clearly transient.The threat is substantive or the threat’s meaning is not clear.Step 3. Respond to a TRANSIENT threat.Typical responses may include a reprimand, parent notification, or anotherdisciplinary action. The student may be required to make amends andparticipate in conflict mediation or counseling strategies. ENDStep 3. Decide whether the SUBSTANTIVEthreat is serious or very serious 2 & 3 .The threat is serious. (SERIOUS SUBSTANTIVE)The threat is very serious. (VERY SERIOUS SUBSTANTIVE)Step 4. Respond to a SERIOUS SUBSTANTIVE threat. Take immediate precautions to protect potential victims, to include,notifying the intended victim and the victim’s parents using theProtocol for Emergency Release of Pupil Records. Notify the student’s parents. Consider contacting law enforcement. Refer the student for counseling, dispute mediation, or anotherappropriate intervention. Discipline the student as appropriate to the severity of conduct,discipline history, discipline code, and the situation.Step 4. Respond to a VERY SERIOUS SUBSTANTIVEthreat (conduct a safety evaluation). Take immediate precautions to protect potential victims,to include, notifying the intended victim and the victim’sparents using the Protocol for Emergency Release ofPupil Records. Notify students’ parents. Consult with law enforcement. Appropriate, begin a mental health assessment of thestudent communicating the threat1 Transient Threat – Not a serious threat; it can be easily resolved.2 & 3 Substantive Threat – Expressions of a continuing intent to harm someone.Serious Substantive Threat involves a threat to hit or beat up someone.Very Serious Substantive Threat involves a threat to kill, rape, use aweapon on, or severely injure someone.Step 5. Implement a safety plan. Complete a written plan. Maintain contact with the student. Revise the plan as needed.Adapted from: Cornell, D. and Sheras, P. (2006). Guidelines for Responding to Student Threats of Violence, p. 16, Sopris West: Longmont, CO. R:2.1385