School safety is a growing concern, with violent threats against schools rising dramatically. As the Security Director of a large Christian school with multiple campuses, I have witnessed firsthand the need for proactive safety measures to keep students, staff, and faculty protected. One of the most effective tools in modern school security is a structured threat assessment process.
A well-implemented threat assessment program not only helps identify individuals who may pose a risk but also provides a framework for intervention before a situation escalates into violence. In this post, we will explore:
• What a threat assessment is and why it’s essential
• The key components of an effective threat assessment process
• Who should be on a threat assessment team
• The best tools and resources available for school threat assessments
• How schools can strengthen their threat assessment strategies
By implementing strong threat assessment protocols, schools can move from a reactive to a preventative approach to security, ensuring a safer learning environment for all.
What is a Threat Assessment in Schools?
A threat assessment is a structured, evidence-based process used to identify, evaluate, and address threats of violence in schools. It is designed to assess a potential risk and determine the appropriate level of intervention before an individual acts on a violent impulse.
Threat assessments do not focus on punishment but on understanding the underlying motivations behind threats and providing appropriate support or consequences when necessary.
A school threat assessment process typically involves:
✅ Identifying concerning behaviors in students, staff, or external individuals.
✅ Gathering information on the individual’s intent, capability, and opportunity.
✅ Evaluating the severity of the threat.
✅ Developing an intervention plan to de-escalate the situation.
Why Schools Need a Threat Assessment Process Now More Than Ever
The rise in school threats and violence in recent years has made it clear that schools must take a more proactive approach to security. In many cases, individuals who carry out violent attacks exhibited warning signs long before acting.
According to the U.S. Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC), most school attackers:
• Had a grievance or personal issue that triggered their actions.
• Displayed warning signs and concerning behaviors beforehand.
• Communicated their intentions to peers, teachers, or online before carrying out an attack.
A structured threat assessment process helps schools catch these warning signs early, allowing intervention before a situation turns into a tragedy.
Key Components of an Effective Threat Assessment
A strong school threat assessment program is built on a few essential components:
1. A Dedicated Threat Assessment Team
A multidisciplinary Threat Assessment Team (TAT) is responsible for evaluating and responding to potential threats. This team should include:
✔ School Security/SROs – Trained to assess physical security risks.
✔ Administrators – Ensure compliance with school policies and procedures.
✔ School Counselors/Psychologists – Provide mental health expertise and intervention strategies.
✔ Teachers & Staff – Observe and report behavioral concerns.
✔ Law Enforcement Officials – Assist in investigating external threats.
Having a diverse team ensures that threats are assessed from multiple angles, reducing bias and increasing effectiveness.
2. Clear Threat Identification and Reporting Procedures
Every school should have a clear, standardized system for identifying and reporting threats. Key strategies include:
🔹 Anonymous Reporting Tools – Apps, hotlines, or digital platforms that allow students and staff to report concerns safely.
🔹 Behavioral Indicators Training – Ensuring faculty and staff recognize warning signs of potential violence.
🔹 Centralized Documentation – Keeping detailed records of reported threats for ongoing monitoring.
3. Risk Evaluation and Classification
Once a threat is reported, the Threat Assessment Team must determine its severity. Threats are often classified as:
🟢 Low-Risk – No immediate danger, but may require monitoring or intervention.
🟠 Moderate-Risk – A concerning situation that needs further investigation and potential intervention.
🔴 High-Risk – An imminent threat requiring immediate action, possibly involving law enforcement.
Using evidence-based models such as the Virginia Threat Assessment Guidelines or NTAC Framework helps standardize risk evaluation.
4. Intervention and Response Strategies
Based on the level of risk, the Threat Assessment Team must develop an appropriate intervention strategy, which may include:
🔹 Counseling and Mental Health Support – Providing help to individuals at risk of violence.
🔹 Parental or Guardian Involvement – Engaging families in intervention efforts.
🔹 Behavioral Contracts – Outlining expected behavior and consequences for continued concerns.
🔹 Disciplinary Actions – If necessary, involving suspension, expulsion, or law enforcement intervention.
5. Ongoing Monitoring and Follow-Up
Threat assessments should not be a one-time evaluation. Instead, individuals deemed a risk should be monitored over time to ensure interventions are effective. Regular check-ins and collaboration with community partners (such as mental health professionals or social workers) can prevent future escalation.
Best Tools and Resources for Threat Assessment Teams
A well-equipped threat assessment team should utilize the latest tools and resources, such as:
• Anonymous Reporting Apps – Platforms like STOPit or Safe2Tell help students and staff report concerns safely.
• Digital Monitoring Systems – AI-based tools scan online activity for warning signs of violence or self-harm.
• Behavioral Threat Assessment Models – Frameworks from the National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC) and the Virginia Model provide best practices.
• School Security Training – Programs like ALICE, NASRO, or Matt Pasquinilli’s security consulting offer expert training for school staff and security teams.
• Law Enforcement Collaboration – Working closely with local police and school resource officers to strengthen security measures.
How Schools Can Strengthen Their Threat Assessment Programs
To maximize the effectiveness of a threat assessment process, schools should:
✔ Train all staff to recognize and report concerning behaviors.
✔ Encourage a culture of reporting without fear of retaliation.
✔ Develop clear policies on how threats are assessed and addressed.
✔ Invest in security technology to monitor and detect threats early.
✔ Partner with mental health professionals to provide resources for at-risk students.
Final Thoughts: Proactive Threat Assessments Save Lives
Schools can no longer afford to take a reactive approach to security. Threat assessments provide a proactive, structured way to identify and intervene before violence occurs. By equipping schools with the right teams, tools, and training, we can create safer learning environments for students, staff, and the entire community.
If your school does not have a formalized threat assessment process, now is the time to implement one. As school security professionals, educators, and administrators, it is our responsibility to take action before it’s too late.
What steps has your school taken to improve its threat assessment process? Let’s start a conversation and work together toward safer schools for everyone.