• WARNING SIGNS OF A VIOLENT PERPETRATOR 

    Patterns That May Indicate An Act Of Violence Is Imminent 

    • Serious violent fighting with peers and family 
    • Severe destruction of property 
    • Extreme rage for seemingly minor reasons 
    • Detailed threats of lethal violence 
    • Possession or use of firearms and other weapons 
    • Self-injurious behaviors or threats, or attempts at suicide 

    Possession Of A Weapon 

    • Notify the School Leader and identify the student or other person with the weapon. Determine the type and location of the weapon. 
    • Provide information as requested, including whether anyone was threatened. 
    • If a weapon is believed to be in the classroom, do not leave the room unattended. 

    Assault Or Fight In Progress 

    • Establish a safe perimeter and move students out of the area. 
    • Defuse the situation if it is safe to do so. 
    • Follow the disciplinary policy. 
    • Isolate witnesses and preserve evidence. 

    Act Of Violence In Progress 

    • If the perpetrator(s) location is unknown or on the move, prepare Safe Mode in your classroom. 
    • If the perpetrator(s) is not near you and it is safe to evacuate, evacuate everyone away from the perpetrator(s). 
    • If a hostage incident develops, identify room location, number of persons held, and information about hostage taker(s). Relay to School Leader or Boston Police. 

    Armed Intruder In The Classroom 

    • If possible, notify the Main Office, but do not place anyone at risk in your attempt to notify. 
    • Do as the gunman demands. 
    • Avoid sudden moves which could startle the intruder. 
    • Never argue. 
    • Take your time. 
    • Keep your students as calm as possible. 
    • Avoid using force unless someone’s life is in imminent danger. 
    • Talk to the gunman and learn as much as you can about him/her.
    • Keep the gunman’s attention on you, not on your students.
    • If more than one person is involved, concentrate on one person.
    • Be observant, but do not stare at the gunman.
    • Mentally record a detailed description of the individual and weapon. Identify a distinctive feature and concentrate on it.
    • Note what objects the intruder touches; preserve for police.
    • If the gunman starts shooting, get everyone down on the floor.
    • Take cover on the floor and/or behind equipment.
    • Preserve the crime scene and avoid touching, moving, or disturbing evidence.