“Bang Bang I’m dead”
“You have no idea what I’m talking about. But you will,” he wrote, followed by another text: “Bang bang I’m dead.”
As someone who has been involved in law enforcement in a major urban area within the United States, I can tell you that the likelihood of you, as a parent, reading a text like this from one of your child’s classmates in a newspaper following a school shooting is unlikely. On average, the United States experience 2.46 school shootings a year. The probability of it happening at your child’s school is slim. But as a parent, don’t you want to be informed? Don’t you want to know how police in your community are preparing for such an event? As unfortunate a reality as it is, don’t you want to prepare your child? Because if you don’t, and you find yourself reading that message, it could be too late….
In 2005 the U.S. Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice released the Role of Law Enforcement in Public School Safety: A National Survey. The report states, “Concern about school safety has led to new strategies aimed at reducing crime and violence in schools. High-profile shootings and other events have captured the attention of the public and have resulted in various reactions from government agencies and schools. One way that many schools have chosen to address safety concerns is by having greater law enforcement involvement in their schools.”
Our law enforcement agency, like others throughout the nation, modified our response protocols and greatly increased tactical intervention strategies. The multitude of active shooter practice scenarios has shown that traditional “contain” and “negotiate” tactics are an inadequate method of response. In addition to the change in tactics, we are better equipped and trained to confront this type of situation.
Past training tactics used by patrol officers instructed the first responders to secure the perimeter, assist the victims, gather information and wait for the special teams (e.g., SWAT) to arrive. The Columbine incident was the primary impetus that led us to reevaluate the manner of assessing threats and developing new tactics. Most law enforcement agencies now train first responders to enter the area as fast as possible with the objective of neutralizing the hostile threat and rescuing victims.
The frequency of these type of incidents is extremely low, but I believe that we need to acknowledge the potential threat and prepare for what may never occur.
“It’ll be like the LA Riots, the Oklahoma Bombing, WWII, Vietnam, Duke and Doom all mixed together…I want to leave a lasting impression on the world…if by some weird as shit luck me and V survive…then we will hijack a hell of a lot of bombs and crash a plane into NYC.”
[Excerpts from Eric Harris’ Diary, Columbine H.S. Gunman]
Planning is an important factor in keeping all of our kids safe. Joint multi-discipline training has been implemented with the inclusion of both fire and medical personnel. We are also developing partnerships and training with school personnel and students. This partnership in your community could include the following:
- Law enforcement and school entities working together to develop a realistic school safety plan to address various types of threats.
- Training, in a realistic environment, in order to educate all participants in their joint roles, responsibilities and expectations.
- A memorandum of understanding between all parties, developed in order to establish cohesive policies and procedures to be followed when an incident involving an act of violence occurs.
Parents would benefit by having knowledge of what can be expected of their local police agency in the time of crisis.
Training will provide all parties with the understanding of what is expected to happen and actuals exercises will reinforce that knowledge. School staff will be instructed by the police, if safe and practical, to:
- Call 9–1–1 and stay on the phone.
- Meet with law enforcement.
- Isolate and evacuate as soon as possible.
- Be alert and gather information.
- Allow police first responders to make contact.
The development of a crisis response bag by school officials is also advisable. The components of this portable bag or box are items that may be necessary in an emergency or crisis. Items may include campus maps, first aid supplies and location of additional supplies, teacher/employee rosters, student rosters including attendance, keys, school critical responder phone numbers, designated evacuation area information, list of students with special needs, and an inventory of staff skills and resources. Student disposition forms and emergency contact information should be available to keep track of who has been released and to whom such as, parents, relatives, emergency personnel or the hospital.
Parents are important in creating a safe school environment. The following are some general tips for parents:
- Discuss the school’s conduct policy with your child. Show your support for the rules and help your child understand the reasons for them.
- Familiarize yourself with the school’s emergency plan and discuss this with your child.
- Talk with your child about the violence he or she sees on television, in video games, and possibly in the neighborhood. Help your child understand the consequences of violence.
- Keep lines of communication open with your child. Encourage your child always to let you know where and with whom he or she will be and get to know your child’s friends.
- Listen to your child if he or she shares concerns about friends who may be exhibiting troubling behaviors. Share this information with a trusted professional, such as the school psychologist, principal or teacher.
- Encourage your school to offer before-and after-school programs.
- Volunteer to work with school-based groups concerning violence prevention.
- Talk with the parents of your child’s friends. Discuss how you can team up to ensure your children’s safety.
An important message to parents is maintaining open communication with your children. In so many of these school incidents, disturbing text messages were sent to others. Ask your kids to tell you about any unusual texting and explain to them that their actions could save lives.
In law enforcement, we have modified our response to critical incidents at schools. We are better equipped and prepared then in the past. Our mission is to effectively confront violence in the most expedient manner possible in order to provide the highest level of protection possible. There is tremendous value in everyone working together — police, medical, fire, school and the community. Keeping our kids safe is the responsibility of our entire community.
The Safe Kids Security Council (“SKSC”) blog exists to share personal experiences and information related to the dangers that impact children. The views, opinions, experiences, and advice provided within this blog belong solely to the individual contributors and should not be interpreted as legal or medical advice. This blog is provided for informational purposes only. The SKSC makes no representations as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the information provided herein. The SKSC will not be liable for any errors or omission in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.
This blog does not represent people, institutions, or employers that the individual contributors may be associated with in a professional or personal capacity.
