Training for School Personnel to Prevent, Prepare, and Respond to School Safety Incidents

• NCJ Number: 305132
• Author(s): Mary Poulin Carlton
• Date Published: September 2022
• Agencies: NIJ

Annotation

This article provides brief descriptions of some of the most common, evidence-based training topics for school personnel on the prevention and preparation for student behavioral issues and violence; topics include multi-tiered systems of support, student mental health issues and exposure to trauma, student bullying and harassment, emergency operations planning, and concerns about training in crisis situations.

Abstract

School personnel, including school-based law enforcement, receive training on a variety of issues to help them prevent, prepare for, and respond to violence and student behavioral issues that can compromise both actual and perceived levels of safety among students and staff. Such training may also help provide support to students on these issues. Though the trainings vary, they may be focused on preventing an issue before it becomes an imminent threat or responding to a threat or crisis when it arises. Research suggests that training school personnel to prevent and respond to a variety of situations impacting school safety can be effective. However, the degree of evidence varies by training topic and program type. In addition to examining four of the most common training topics, this article also notes areas where more research is needed.