Threat Management, Assessment and Counseling Reducing the Risk of Violence in the Saint Paul Schools

Threat Management, Assessment, and Counseling (TMAC) A model for assessing and managing student threats (verbal, physical, or written) All threats, even, those made in jest, are taken seriously and investigated Administrators, other staff, and community agencies are offered training on the use of TMAC 3-C Institute for Social Development, February 26, 2004

Saint Paul Public School Policy Rights & Responsibilities A Student Behavior Handbook for Elementary and Secondary Schools Terroristic Threats is threatening directly or indirectly, to commit any crime of violence with purpose to terrorize another or to cause evacuation of a building, … Threats**: Any verbal, written or physical threat, sign, or act which conveys an intent to cause harm or violence, even if made in jest. ** The site’s Pupil Problems Committee may be convened to evaluate the credibility and level of any threat or threatening behavior.

Saint Paul Public School Policy Rights & Responsibilities A Student Behavior Handbook for Elementary and Secondary Schools Threat Assessment – As part of the District School Safety Plan, The Pupil Problems Committee or a subset of the Pupil Problems Committee will evaluate threats of violence to self or others, threatening behaviors, and determine the probability that the person will carry out the threat. The District shall provide training in threat assessment to designated staff at each site. (pg. 16)

Threat Levels Level 1  Lowest level threat  Spontaneous  May have been an impulsive response Level 2  Moderate level threat  Not purely spontaneous or impulsive Level 3  Severe level threat  Clear and immediate danger NOTE. The context of the threat needs to be considered. 3-C Institute for Social Development, February 26, 2004

TMAC Decision Tree Plan Vague or specific Significant fear or disruption to school activities NO Continued intent to carry out threat NO Prior history of threats or violence NO Level 1 Weapon (referenced) YES Access to weapon YES Clear & Immediate danger Level 3 YES Level 2 NO YES 3-C Institute for Social Development, February 26, 2004

Threat Management by Assessment & Counseling – TMAC THREATInvestigation of IncidentParents Notified Determination of Level Level 1 (mild) Immediate Actions: 1.Complete Incident Report 2.Possible suspension Possible Actions: 1.Referral to counselor for school based intervention 2.Follow-up recommendations 3-C Institute for Social Development, February 26, 2004

Threat Management by Assessment & Counseling – TMAC THREATInvestigation of incidentParents Notified Determination of Level Level 2 (moderate) Immediate Actions: 1.Suspension 2.Referral to school-based TMAC team TMAC Team Assessment Completed ASAP (Before suspension is concluded) 3-C Institute for Social Development, February 26, 2004

Threat Management by Assessment & Counseling – TMAC THREATInvestigation of incidentParents Notified Determination of Level Level 3 (Severe) Immediate Actions: 1.Suspension with possible recommendation for expulsion 2.Referral to community-based TMAC Team* Additional Actions: 1.Law enforcement involved 2.Possible hospitalization/mental health evaluation 3-C Institute for Social Development, February 26, 2004

Threat Management by Assessment & Counseling – TMAC Level 3 (Severe) Actions: Suspension, Community TMAC Law enforcement / possible hospitalization Actions: Suspension, TMAC referral Level 2 (moderate) Level 1 (mild) Actions: Incident report, possible suspension, school referral 3-C Institute for Social Development, February 26, 2004