Evaluating Risk for Targeted Violence in Schools: Comparing Risk Assessment, Threat Assessment, and Other Approaches
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1002/pits.1007
Abstract
In the wake of recent school shootings, fear over violence in schools has prompted increased requests for psychologists, educators, and law enforcement professionals to assist in preventing future school violence incidents.We attempt to lay a foundation for developing effective assessment and prevention approaches by first distinguishing planned school-based attacks from other forms of school and youth violence. We then review the three assessment approaches that have been advocated and used in some jurisdictions (profiling, guided professional judgment, automated decision-making) and demonstrate why they are inappropriate—and potentially harmful—in preventing planned school-based attacks.We then describe the contours of the threat assessment approach, developed by the U.S. Secret Service to prevent assassinations, and examine its utility for responding to communications or behaviors of concern that students may present in school settings.
Was this content written or created while at USF?
Yes
Citation / Publisher Attribution
Psychology in the Schools, v. 38, issue 2, p. 157-172
Scholar Commons Citation
Reddy, Marisa; Borum, Randy; Berglund, John; Vossekuil, Bryan; Fein, Robert; and Modzeleski, William, "Evaluating Risk for Targeted Violence in Schools: Comparing Risk Assessment, Threat Assessment, and Other Approaches" (2001). Mental Health Law & Policy Faculty Publications. 174.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/mhlp_facpub/174
