Details of Study
May 11, 2001--
Secret Service Agents made a rare stop in Utah to release the findings of their new study of school shootings.
The findings have serious implications for educators and parents.
After the recent string of school shootings, the Secret Service was commissioned to study the problem, so schools could lower their risk.
Here are some findings they presented to Utah educators.
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School shooters
don't fit any certain profile.
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They don't just one day "snap".
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They plan attacks ahead of time.
- They usually tell at least one person.
BRYAN VOSSEKUIL/U.S. SECRET SERVICE NATIONAL THREAT ASSESSMENT: "THE MESSAGE WE BELIEVE FOR EDUCATORS IS IF YOU HEAR OF SOME INFORMATION THAT MAY SUGGEST SOMETHING TO YOU THAT A STUDENT MIGHT BE CONTEMPLATING SUCH AN ATTACK, DON'T WAIT. BECAUSE THE TIME MAY BE SHORT."
Experts told audiences most school shooters had been bullied.
The challenge is to listen to students and involve them in solutions.
DR. WILLIAM POLLACK/HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL: "EVERY CHILD IN EVERY SCHOOL HAS TO BE CONNECTED TO AN ADULT, AND THAT ADULT HAS TO BE ONE THAT UNDERSTANDS THEM AND LISTENS TO THEM."
William Medzeleski/U.S. Dept. of Education: "IF WE CAN PREVENT SOME OF THESE BEHAVIORS THAT HAVE LEAD TO THESE TRAGEDIES, I THINK WE CAN DO A VERY GOOD JOB IN NOT ONLY REDUCING THESE SORT OF INCIDENTS, BUT OTHERS TYPES OF INCIDENTS."
NADINE WIMMER: "HERE AT REGISTRATION FOR THE CONFERENCE, THEY HAD TO TURN AWAY A FEW HUNDRED PEOPLE. EDUCATORS ARE HUNGRY FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO DEAL WITH SCHOOL VIOLENCE."
Susan Bates/Teacher: "IT SEEMS TO BE PERVADING EVERYTHING WE DO, AND IT DOES INTERRUPT EDUCATION."
The findings also offer hope that prevention works, that adults can interevene before it's too late.
Carole Voorhees/Conference Committee: "REALLY INCORPORATE IT INTO OUR SCHOOL SYSTEMS, INTO OUR COMMUNITY SYSTEMS, SO THIS REALLY IS A SAFER PLACE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO BE."
The report also showed most school shooters got their guns from home, so gun access was also a factor in the study.
Details of Study
