AMOK

WORD OF WARNING
CATEGORIES OF SCHOOL VIOLENCE ADVERSARY
This document is based on extensive research and close cooperation with national EU
member states’ police experts. Nevertheless, this document is not a check list which, by
ticking all necessary boxes, guarantees you a complete secure environment in an AMOK
situation. 100% security is a myth as every situation is different and might even evolve
while happening. However, you can (must) be prepared. Security at school involves extensive
planning, training and the support and involvement of everybody; staff, students, families…
CATEGORY
STUDENT
DESCRIPTION
Student(s), often with complicated motives and contributing factors,
perceive violence against classmates as justified and as an ultimate
solution to their problems (Type 2 – Meloy, 2013)
“THE SCHOOL”
is more than a set of buildings! The moment parents put their children on the bus, drop them
off before school periods and pick them up aſter school periods or external school activities,
they consider their children as being “at school”.Therefore all drills and plans must be known
to all occupants and organizers of extra-school activities and the responsibilities have to be
well defined. Emergency services must be aware of presences before and aſter school time.
WHAT IS AMOK?
OUTSIDER
ADULT
INSIDER
ADULT
Often pseudo-commando (homicide-suicide)-type adult with a
personal connection to the school (former graduate, family connection,
etc), or owing to its vulnerability, targets the school and students.
Less common examples are often acts of targeted workplace violence
against faculty members (Type - Meloy, 2013)
School employee (or recently terminated employee), often desperate
and motivated by revenge, opts for violence against students and
faculty as a means of vengeance. (Type 3 – Meloy 2013)
IT IS NOT
Only related to terrorism or to fire arms; it does not happen only in classes or offices
but also in open spaces and unfortunately it does not happen only “somewhere else”.
TERRORIST
Terrorist group recognizes huge potential for emotional impact by
targeting children, parents and teachers as victims or hostages (Type
2 – Meloy, 2013)
IT IS
One (mostly) or more actors, moving around freely in a cold and calculated way with the plan to
make as many victims as possible and with suicide in 90% of cases. Their main objective
is making “numbers”. As such, they are not interested in hostages, ransom demands or
negotiations. “They” are mostly men acting alone.
THE BEST DEVELOPED COMPREHENSIVE SECURITY PLAN IS AS STRONG AS ITS WEAKEST LINK:
• The example always comes from above.
• The comfort of one can never jeopardise the security of all.