Over the past decade, the Commonwealth of Virginia has led the nation in efforts to implement threat assessment procedures in institutions of higher education and pre-K-12 public schools. In 2008, the Virginia General Assembly passed legislation requiring public institutions of higher education to establish threat assessment teams with the goal of preventing violence on campus by assessing behaviors and intervening with individuals who may pose a threat to campus safety. In 2013, the Virginia General Assembly enacted legislation requiring all public school divisions to establish and operate threat assessment teams in support of their schools- making Virginia the first state in the country to require such action.
This legislation also requires the Division of Public Safety Training and the Virginia Center for School and Campus Safety (PST-VCSCS) to develop model policies, collect quantitative data from schools using a case management tool, and provide technical assistance to schools on threat assessment-based protocols. To satisfy these requirements, the VCSCS worked hand in hand with research partners, service providers, and subject matter experts to provide resources for schools, campuses, and law enforcement.
Ok2SpeakOut
Ok2SpeakOut is a valuable initiative to enhance safety and awareness in school communities across Virginia. By focusing on recognizing and reporting concerning behaviors, the campaign empowers students, parents, and community members to act when they notice something unusual. The comprehensive resources—like training materials, videos tailored for different age groups, and a Behavioral Threat Assessment Resource Toolkit—are essential for fostering a culture of vigilance and support.
The campaign's core message, that it’s okay to speak out when something seems off, helps normalize communication about concerns, ultimately contributing to a safer school environment. This proactive approach encourages a collaborative effort among all stakeholders in the educational ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
VCSCS Threat Assessment Resources
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K-12 Threat Assessment Form - Fillable pdf
K-12 Threat Assessment Form - Fillable MSWord
K-12 Threat Data Collection Form
Plan for Implementation of a Statewide School Safety Mobile Application
Behavioral Threat Assessment Resource Toolkit for K-12 Virginia Schools
Behavioral Threat Assessment Resource Toolkit for K-12 Virginia Parents
United States Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center
What Threat Assessment Is and Is Not (USSS)
Averting Targeted School Violence: A U.S. Secret Service Analysis of Plots Against Schools - 2021
Mass Attacks in Public Spaces - 2019 (National Threat Assessment Center)
Echoes of Columbine Documentary
US DOJ School Tip Line Toolkit: A Blueprint for Implementation and Sustainability
The American School Shooting Study (TASSS)
A Toolkit for Strengthening K-12 Reporting Programs (U.S. Department of Homeland Security)
The Averted School Violence system (ASV) is an online library of school attacks from across the country that were prevented, as well as attacks that came to fruition. The purpose of the ASV system is to systematically collect and analyze incidents of averted or carried out school violence and provide a platform to facilitate the timely exchange of information among school safety professionals. For more information, please view the project fact sheet, visit https://www.avertedschoolviolence.org/, or call the Police Foundation at 202-833-1469.
K-12 Threat Assessment Contacts
Shellie Evers, Technical Assistance and Support Supervisor
804.629.7042
Email Shellie
Marc Dawkins, Virginia Center for School and Campus Safety Manager
804.380.9709
Email Marc