After a threat is assessed, use this exhibit with subhead Responding to and Managing Threats in 4:190-AP2, Threat Assessment Team (TAT). It provides examples of possible responses for TATs to consider and is not intended as an exhaustive or complete list.

Imminent Threat Responses

Imminent threats require immediate: containment and action to protect the target, referral to law enforcement, and consultation with school security. Following containment and action to protect the target, the TAT becomes involved and follows the procedures set forth in High Level Threat Responses.

Low-Level Threat Responses

Resolve a low-level threat case with any of the following, as appropriate: 

1. No further action; 

2. Have involved individuals issue a clarification, explanation, retraction and/or an apology;

3. Refer the subject for disciplinary action in accordance with Board policy; and/or

4. Refer the subject and/or target to school and/or community-based resources. 

If the subject and/or target is referred for resources or services, a member of the TAT is designated to monitor the subject’s/target’s reactions for a short period of time, to ensure the referral was effective. 

When the target is a student the TAT may, at its discretion, notify the target and his/her parent(s)/guardian(s). If the parent(s)/guardian(s) are notified, contact them promptly and reassure them that the threat has been resolved. That TAT may also notify parent(s)/guardian(s) of the subject, so they are aware of the situation and that it has been resolved. 

If new information comes to the attention of the TAT, reassess and update the case management plan. 

Moderate-Level Threat Responses

Resolve a moderate-level threat case with any of the following, as appropriate: 

1. Protect the target with the following precautions: 

2. Direct supervision to prevent the threat while at school, at school functions, or on the bus. 

3. Caution the subject about the consequences of carrying out the threat. 

4. Notify the target and (if he/she is a student) the target’s parent(s)/guardian(s) of the threat, the seriousness of the threat, the identity of the subject who made the threat, and what actions are being taken to support the safety of the target and the school as a whole.

5. When the subject is a student, contact the subject’s parent(s)/guardian(s) to assume responsibility for supervising the subject and to enlist their support to prevent the subject from carrying out the threat. 

6. Consult with the school resource officer to assist in monitoring and supervising the subject and determine the need, if any, for law enforcement action. 

7. Refer the subject for disciplinary action in accordance with Board policy. 

8. Refer the subject and/or target for counseling, conflict mediation, or other interventions to reduce the threat and to address the underlying conflict/issues that led to the threat. The Building Principal will involve school-based professionals and/or community-based professionals who can provide assistance and appropriate intervention. 

9. Conduct a mental health risk assessment when the TAT reasonably believes that mental health or disability issues are causing or contributing to the risk of violence. Follow parameters for the mental health risk assessment as outlined in High-Risk Threat Responses, below. 

High-Level Threat Responses

Resolve a high-leve threat with any of the following, as appropriate: 

1. Notify law enforcement to contain the threat and to consult regarding school safety and security. 

2. Immediately protect the target with the following precautions: 

3. Direct supervision to prevent the threat while at school, at school programs, or on the bus. 

4. Caution the subject about the consequences of carrying out the threat. 

5. Notify the target and (if he/she is a student) the target’s parent(s)/guardian(s) of the threat, the seriousness of the threat, the identity of the subject who made the threat, and what actions are being taken to support the safety of the target and the school as a whole. 

6. When the subject is a student, contact the subject’s parent(s)/guardian(s) to enlist their support to prevent the subject from carrying out the threat; have either law enforcement or the subject’s parent(s)/guardian(s) assume responsibility for supervising the subject. 

7. Refer the subject for disciplinary action in accordance with Board policy. 

8. Conduct a mental health risk assessment when the TAT reasonably believes that mental health or disability issues are causing or contributing to the risk of violence. The mental health risk assessment will be conducted by a qualified independent medical/psychological professional who does not have a treatment relationship with the subject. The professional will base his/her assessment on a review of all available information, including but not limited to an interview of the subject by the professional. The professional will prepare a written report that identifies the problem/conflict that prompted the threat and recommends strategies to address the problem/conflict and to reduce the risk of violence. 

9. The Building Principal will determine the conditions for the subject’s readmission to school, which may include requiring the subject to cooperate in a mental health evaluation. If the subject is a student, the parent(s)/guardian(s) will be notified of all readmission requirements and of any failure to comply. A readmission meeting will be held prior to the subject’s return to school. 

10. The TAT will attempt to obtain any required signed permission for release and exchange of information with mental health provider(s), if any, and where appropriate, LLEAs. 

11. After receiving the mental health risk assessment report, the TAT will convene to complete and implement a written safety plan that includes immediate steps to prevent the threat from being carried out and a plan for further action before the subject is permitted to return to school or an alternative educational environment. The safety plan will include: 

Readmission conditions; 

Interventions, such as counseling or medication, that are needed to reduce risk; 

Scheduled follow-up contact with the subject (and parent(s)/guardian(s) if subject is a student) to assess changes in risk and update the safety plan over time, until the perceived threat is resolved; and 

The identities of person(s) responsible for monitoring and verifying that the safety plan is being followed.

A student/staff member should only be removed if the threatening behaviors engaged in by the subject are a violation of the code of conduct/Board policy, and when all applicable disciplinary procedures are followed. 

In the event that applicable disciplinary procedures are not available to school-based staff, and the school administration or TAT believes the subject poses a significant risk to the health or safety of others that cannot be eliminated by a modification of policies, practices, or procedures, or by the provision of auxiliary aids or services as provided in federal regulations implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) at 28 C.F.R. §35.139, the ADA’s direct threat standard may be applied. Before applying the ADA’s direct threat standard, the Building Principal will contact the District’s Director of Special Education and Board Attorney (through the Superintendent, if not authorized to contact the Board Attorney directly).

Updated:  May 22, 2024