Newtown Shooting Report Released: Critical Information Concern/Warning Signs

Today the Report of the State’s Attorney for the Judicial District on the Shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 4, 2012 was released.

Before expressing my response to the report, it is critical to have the fire of sensitivity, empathy and compassion remain ignited forever in our hearts for all who have suffered from this tragedy.

Although the report presents a wide array of pertinent information; I have a concern on an issue which I believe is critical yet missing.

The evidence clearly shows that the shooter planned his actions, including the taking of his own life, but there is no clear indication why he did so, or why he targeted Sandy Hook Elementary School The report states.

Although the motive is missing and may never be known; my concern is the killer had significant mental health issues that affected his ability to have a normal life and to interact with others according to the report. Despite these significant mental health issues, he had access to such a lethal arsenal of weapons.

I was hopeful the report would address if he had access to these weapons (understood to be facilitated by his mother) without anyone being aware of his significant mental health issues (commonly referred to as warning signs) ever expressing concerns to law enforcement and/or mental health professionals.

Warning signs have been such a critical aspect of school, campus, domestic and workplace violence and an abundance of caution with significant mental health issues especially when there is gun access, must always be reported and responded to by appropriate professionals.

Despite my concern, the heroism of law enforcement and school staff on that fateful day as cited in the closing words of today's report are worthy of attention:

...law enforcement arrived at Sandy Hook Elementary School within minutes of the first shots being fired. They went into the school to save those inside with the knowledge that someone might be waiting to take their lives. It is also clear that the staff of Sandy Hook Elementary School acted heroically in trying to protect the children. The combination saved many lives.

Chardon High School Fatalities Rise: A Call for Compassion in American Schools-December 18, 2012 Post

As America mourns the senseless loss of a third student from Chardon High School, I am reminded of another school shooting tragedy in Ohio 5 years ago. The heart of my message posted on October 11, 2007 remains a clarion call to our nation. Schools must become communities of caring especially to those most in need. This compassion must be complimented by sound security practices including violence prevention, crisis management, school resource officers, security vulnerability assessments, bullying prevention and responding immediately to warning signs.

October 11, 2007 Blog

Missed Warning Signs: Teenage Gunman Wounds Four in Ohio School

On Wednesday, October 10, 2007, yet another incident of school violence took place at a high school in Cleveland, Ohio. A 14 year-old student, recently suspended and feeling alienated, sprayed a hail of bullets that left four people wounded. He then turned the gun on himself and took his own life.

As time will tell, this was another preventable incident in which the shooter displayed warning signs and those in charge once again failed to respond appropriately.

When will we learn? Our schools must become communities of caring. We must recognize those in need and work to provide them opportunities to move from isolation to community.

Can we prevent ALL incidents of violence in our schools. Perhaps not; but we must challenge ourselves to recognize the warning signs and stop EVERY act that IS preventable.

We must put into practice the recommendations from the many extraordinary documents on recognizing and responding to warning signs, threat assessment and crisis management.

[Reprinted from the Google News website – http://afp.google.com/article/ ALeqM5jCwJ5mRi92v0h9yKDWDQcl5Y56ug]

The boy was described by other students as a loner and devil worshiper who had made jokes about shooting other students in front of teachers.

"He said if he would shoot up the school he'd let me and some other dude go, but I didn't think he meant it," an unidentified student told news station WKYC.

"I didn't think he meant it," he said. "I thought he just said it because he wanted to be popular."

WKYC reported the boy was frustrated after he was suspended from school for getting into a fist fight over a Marilyn Manson song on Monday.

Police said they believed the boy went to school to shoot his teachers. One was shot in the back and another was shot in the chest. Both were in stable condition, officials said.

"We don't have any specific motives at this time," police chief Michael McGrath told a press conference.

"We do know the shooter had some disciplinary problems," he added.

The boy, identified as Asa Coon, was arrested in 2006 on charges of domestic violence, and police had visited his home for other reasons on a number of occasions, McGrath said.

READ MORE

AFP News Article	Click here to visit site
Early Warning, Timely Response: A Guide to Safe Schools – August 1998	Click here to visit site
Safeguarding Our Children: An Action Guide – April 2000	Click here to visit site
THE FINAL REPORT AND FINDINGS OF THE SAFE SCHOOL INITIATIVE: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PREVENTION OF SCHOOL ATTACKS IN THE UNITED STATES – May 2002	Click here to visit site
PRACTICAL INFORMATION ON CRISIS PLANNING: A GUIDE FOR SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES – May 2003	Click here to visit site
THREAT ASSESSMENT IN SCHOOLS: A GUIDE TO MANAGING THREATENING SITUATIONS AND TO CREATING SAFE SCHOOL CLIMATES-May 2002	Click here to visit site

Reignite the Heart of America: JFK 50 Years Later

As America solemnly commemorates the 50th anniversary of the assassination of our beloved President John F. Kennedy today, we must pause as a nation in prayer and resolve to reignite the ideals of our country.

Let us reflect on the eternal flame that has burned for half a century at the resting place of President Kennedy in Arlington National Cemetery. May it reignite the fire of devotion, honor and character in the heart of America and in the heart of each and every citizen.

“And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.” John F. Kennedy, Inaugural address, January 20, 1961

Nuclear Option Detonates Presidential, Senatorial, Congressional Leadership Crisis

A further divide within the highest levels of government intensified today with the Senate vote on the "nuclear option."

Although "nuclear option" connotes a catastrophic event; the comparison is clear, there is an unprecedented lack of unity with Washington officials. This is detrimental to the interests of our country and beckons a clarion call to moral courage, unwavering leadership and renewed collaboration.

America's Leadership Crisis: Presidential, Senatorial, Congressional-October 10, 2013 Post

For many years I have addressed a crisis of leadership in America. Sadly, these concerns continue with the inability of the President, Senate and Congress to collaborate for the best interests of the country and prevent a government shutdown.

This infighting is causing heartbreak, hardship and injustices to many Americans with the loss of jobs, income, security and morale including:

Military families who lose out on subsidized groceries, childcare, medical assistance and after school programs

Pre-School-over 5,000 kids from low income are closed out of Head Start programs and families may have to stay home from work to provide for them

Federal Workers-about 800,000 are on furlough without pay with pending eviction possibilities and inability to provide for their families

Government Contractors-all vendors have business certifications on hold causing service delays and financial hardships

Hotel Proprietors and Tourism Operators-bookings are down at all national sites with loss of revenue and layoffs.

The most monumental injustice was the delay of death benefits to families whose loved ones offered the ultimate sacrifice while serving our nation in the military.

As addressed previously, deficient leadership equals tragic ramifications:

Response to Virginia Tech Panel Report...FBI Community Leadership Award-November 1, 2007 Post

Crisis of Leadership: A Response to the Virginia Tech Panel Report was recently released through www.vincentbove.com and reviewed in a Washington Post article and WRVA newsradio.

The response, written in an easy-to-understand format, draws attention to the deficiencies of crisis management of the Virginia Tech Tragedy on that fateful day in April 2007 and continues the call for the accountability of those responsible for the safety of students, faculty and staff at Virginia Tech.

In light of the continued school and campus violence throughout the nation, it is hoped that this will serve as a reminder to campuses throughout the nation to develop a culture of preparedness, unity of effort and sound leadership regarding safety protocols and emergency procedures.

"It has been eight years since Columbine and nine years since the release of Early Warning, Timely Response: A Guide to Safe Schools. It is inexcusable that any school or campus is not prepared. The problem is compounded by campus safety professionals who are inadequately paid, trained, retained or motivated. It is a sad commentary that we can put hundreds of millions of dollars into college athletic programs while many campus security programs suffer from a lack of resources. Where are our priorities?

"The entire educational community including students, parents, educators, counselors, administrators, security and law enforcement must rise to the occasion. Open and effective collaboration is necessary to insure that these life saving protocols are understood, documented, revised and practiced is critical."

---

FBI Director's Community Leadership Award

On October 30, 2007, Mr. Bove received the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award from Special Agent in Charge Weysan Dun at the FBI’s Newark Field Office. This special award, presented on behalf of the Director of the FBI, was formally created in 1990 as a way to honor individuals and organizations for their efforts in combating crime, terrorism, drugs, and violence in America. It is given annually to one individual from each field office.

[Vincent Bove's remarks upon receiving the award]

It is an honor to receive the FBI Director's Community Leadership award but it is also very humbling. There are so many individuals deserving of recognition and I would like to share this award with those I have recently met from throughout the nation.

Victims and Families of the Virginia Tech Tragedy

These families experienced the worst act of school violence in our nation's history. In my communications with many of them since the April 16 tragedy, I have found them to represent the Courage of America.

Future Leaders of America

Just last week at the National Conference on Ethics in America, I was privileged to serve college students from throughout the nation. These students of character assembled to exchange concerns and solutions for restoring the moral compass of our nation and represent the Hope of America.

Members of the INEOA

As a privileged speaker during the recent International Narcotics Officers Association's annual conference, I had the opportunity to interact with individuals representing local law enforcement as well as FBI, DEA and ICE. They clearly represent the Dedication of America.

Members of the FBI

Each of you, in all of the different roles within the FBI, are deserving of respect for the safeguarding our nation and represent the Commitment of America.

Members of our Armed Forces

At the end of each of my presentations, I always take a few moments to honor those in our military who represent the Service of America.

After one of these sessions, Marion Dooley, whose son Mark was killed in action while serving in Iraq, thanked me for remembering our soldiers and invited me to attend his military interment ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. In Arlington, she shared with me a letter given to her by her son Mark which was only to be opened upon his death. Encouraged by Mrs. Dooley, I shared this letter in a recent article since it represents the Honor of America.

I dedicate this award

• to each of you gathered here today,
  
• to our military personnel, especially Lt. Mark Dooley and his family,
  
• to the students from the National Conference on Ethics in America and students and teachers throughout the nation,
  
• to the members of the INEOA and all those in law enforcement, and
  
• to all of the victims and families of the Virginia Tech tragedy and other incidents of school violence.

READ MORE

Washington Post Article	Click here to visit site
WSET/ABC13 Virginia / TV News Report	Click here to visit site
Crisis of Leadership: A Response to the Virginia Tech Panel Report	Click here to visit site
Sacred Honor: Police Officer, Soldier, Patriot	Click here to visit site

14 Year-Old Indicted: Teacher's Murder in Massachusetts

Tragically, as detailed in published reports today, "horrific and unspeakable" acts such as the recent murder, aggravated rape and armed robbery charges of a 14-year-old in the slaying of his teacher are becoming all too common. The crimes are becoming more senseless, contemptuous and reprehensible and the criminals younger.

These continuous events remind us of a dysfunctional moral compass and a beckoning to reawakening the nation.

Massachusetts Teacher Murdered, 14-Year-Old Arrested-October 23, 2013 Post

The crisis of American school violence continued today as Colleen Ritzer, a well-respected 24-year-old teacher was found slain behind Danvers High School in Massachusetts. Philip Chism, a 14-year-old student was arraigned on a murder charge.

Ritzer is the second teacher allegedly murdered by a student in America this week. Just two days ago a middle school teacher was allegedly shot by a 12-year-old student in Sparks, Nevada.

American School Violence: Nevada Teacher Shot Dead; Students Wounded-October 21, 2013 Post

Another horrific expression of America's culture of violence took place on Monday, October 21, 2013 at Staples Middle School in Sparks, Nevada. A teacher was shot dead and two students were wounded by gunfire.

These shootings occur only months after the Newtown Connecticut Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy that left 26 children and adults dead.

Tragedies that would have been considered unthinkable in the past have become all too common and in places that should be considered sanctuaries for American children; our schools.

As we once again fly flags at half mast, America must mourn this continuous and senseless bloodshed of the innocents:

Newtown, Connecticut School Tragedy: A Time To Mourn---December 18, 2012 Post

As broken hearted parents express final goodbyes to their beloved children, Newtown Connecticut's Sandy Hook Elementary School lites a fire of compassion in the heart of America.

Tragically, once again, as memorialized in my April 18, 2007 post, the nation mourns as flags fly at half-mast and the message of Scripture sears its timeless message into the soul of our nation.

Virginia Tech: A Time To Mourn

"There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens." – Ecclesiastes 3:1

According to the Jerome Biblical commentary, the author of this Old Testament verse from Sacred Scripture relates to the inability of humankind to understand the events in this world but to know that God rules time. Humanity is significantly limited as to the capability to understand the trials and sufferings of this life as tragically exemplified by the Virginia Tech calamity but God's presence, in whatever faith each person has to understand it, is our only hope.

"Under the heavens," the time now is to mourn for those who have lost their lives and for those who have been injured. These individuals, as well as all the family and friends who love them, deserve our prayerful and emotional sensitivity.

In time, when it is more appropriate, I will be addressing the critical issue of violence in American society, based on my experiences throughout the nation since the April 20, 1999 Columbine tragedy. At this time, the essential priority must be to unite as a community to pray for the repose of the souls of those who have perished and to pray for the healing of those who have been injured.

Reminded of the violence so pervasive in our society, it is also critical to pray for all those throughout our nation who have been affected by school violence:

• February 2, 1996 / Moses Lake, WA
  Two students and one teacher killed, one other wounded when 14-year-old Barry Loukaitis opened fire on his algebra class.
  
• February 19, 1997 / Bethel, AK
  Principal and one student killed, two others wounded by Evan Ramsey, 16.
  
• October 1, 1997 / Pearl, MS
  Two students killed and seven wounded by Luke Woodham, 16, who was also accused of killing his mother. He and his friends were said to be outcasts who worshiped Satan.
  
• December 1, 1997 / West Paducah, KY
  Three students killed, five wounded by Michael Carneal, 14, as they participated in a prayer circle at Heath High School.
  
• December 15, 1997 / Stamps, AR
  Two students wounded. Colt Todd, 14, was hiding in the woods when he shot the students as they stood in the parking lot.
  
• March 24, 1998 / Jonesboro, AR
  Four students and one teacher killed, ten others wounded outside as Westside Middle School emptied during a false fire alarm. Mitchell Johnson, 13, and Andrew Golden, 11, shot at their classmates and teachers from the woods.
  
• April 24, 1998 / Edinboro, PA
  One teacher, John Gillette, killed, two students wounded at a dance at James W. Parker Middle School. Andrew Wurst, 14, was charged.
  
• May 19, 1998 / Fayetteville, TN
  One student killed in the parking lot at Lincoln County High School three days before he was to graduate. The victim was dating the ex-girlfriend of his killer, 18-year-old honor student Jacob Davis.
  
• May 21, 1998 / Springfield, OR
  Two students killed, 22 others wounded in the cafeteria at Thurston High School by 15-year-old Kip Kinkel. Kinkel had been arrested and released a day earlier for bringing a gun to school. His parents were later found dead at home.
  
• June 15, 1998 / Richmond, VA
  One teacher and one guidance counselor wounded by a 14-year-old boy in the school hallway.
  
• April 20, 1999 / Littleton, CO
  14 students (including killers) and one teacher killed, 23 others wounded at Columbine High School in the nation's deadliest school shooting. Eric Harris, 18, and Dylan Klebold, 17, had plotted for a year to kill at least 500 and blow up their school. At the end of their hour-long rampage, they turned their guns on themselves.
  
• May 20, 1999 / Conyers, GA
  Six students injured at Heritage High School by Thomas Solomon, 15, who was reportedly depressed after breaking up with his girlfriend.
  
• November 19, 1999 / Deming, NM
  Victor Cordova Jr., 12, shot and killed Araceli Tena, 13, in the lobby of Deming Middle School.
  
• December 6, 1999 / Fort Gibson, OK
  Four students wounded as Seth Trickey, 13, opened fire with a 9mm semiautomatic handgun at Fort Gibson Middle School.
  
• February 29, 2000 / Mount Morris Township, MI
  Six-year-old Kayla Rolland shot dead at Buell Elementary School near Flint, Mich. The assailant was identified as a six-year-old boy with a .32-caliber handgun.
  
• March 10, 2000 / Savannah, GA
  Two students killed by Darrell Ingram, 19, while leaving a dance sponsored by Beach High School.
  
• May 26, 2000 / Lake Worth, FL
  One teacher, Barry Grunow, shot and killed at Lake Worth Middle School by Nate Brazill, 13, with .25-caliber semiautomatic pistol on the last day of classes.
  
• September 26, 2000 / New Orleans, LA
  Two students wounded with the same gun during a fight at Woodson Middle School.
  
• January 17, 2001 / Baltimore, MD
  One student shot and killed in front of Lake Clifton Eastern High School.
  
• March 5, 2001 / Santee, CA
  Two killed and 13 wounded by Charles Andrew Williams, 15, firing from a bathroom at Santana High School.
  
• March 7, 2001 / Williamsport, PA
  Elizabeth Catherine Bush, 14, wounded student Kimberly Marchese in the cafeteria of Bishop Neumann High School; she was depressed and frequently teased.
  
• March 22, 2001 / Granite Hills, CA
  One teacher and three students wounded by Jason Hoffman, 18, at Granite Hills High School. A policeman shot and wounded Hoffman.
  
• March 30, 2001 / Gary, IN
  One student killed by Donald R. Burt, Jr., a 17-year-old student who had been expelled from Lew Wallace High School.
  
• November 12, 2001 / Caro, MI
  Chris Buschbacher, 17, took two hostages at the Caro Learning Center before killing himself.
  
• January 15, 2002 / New York, NY
  A teenager wounded two students at Martin Luther King Jr. High School.
  
• April 14, 2003 / New Orleans, LA
  One 15-year-old killed, and three students wounded at John McDonogh High School by gunfire from four teenagers (none were students at the school). The motive was gang-related.
  
• April 24, 2003 / Red Lion, PA
  James Sheets, 14, killed principal Eugene Segro of Red Lion Area Junior High School before killing himself.
  
• September 24, 2003 / Cold Spring, MN
  Two students are killed at Rocori High School by John Jason McLaughlin, 15.
  
• March 21, 2005 / Red Lake, MN
  Jeff Weise, 16, killed grandfather and companion, then arrived at school where he killed a teacher, a security guard, 5 students, and finally himself, leaving a total of 10 dead.
  
• November 8, 2005 / Jacksboro, TN
  One 15-year-old shot and killed an assistant principal at Campbell County High School and seriously wounded two other administrators.
  
• Aug. 24, 2006 / Essex, VT
  Christopher Williams, 27, looking for his ex-girlfriend at Essex Elementary School, shot two teachers, killing one and wounding another. Before going to the school, he had killed the ex-girlfriend's mother.
  
• September 26, 2006 / Bailey, CO
  Adult male held six students hostage at Platte Canyon High School and then shot and killed Emily Keyes, 16, and himself.
  
• September 29, 2006 / Cazenovia, WI
  A 15-year-old student shot and killed Weston School principal John Klang.
  
• October 3, 2006 / Nickel Mines, PA
  32-year-old Carl Charles Roberts IV entered the one-room West Nickel Mines Amish School and shot 10 schoolgirls, ranging in age from 6 to 13 years old, and then himself. Five of the girls and Roberts died.
  
• January 3, 2007 / Tacoma, WA
  Douglas Chanthabouly, 18, shot fellow student Samnang Kok, 17, in the hallway of Henry Foss High School.
  
• April 16, 2007 / Blacksburg, VA
  A 23-year-old Virginia Tech student, Cho Seung-Hui, killed two in a dorm, then killed 30 more 2 hours later in a classroom building. His suicide brought the death toll to 33, making the shooting rampage the most deadly in U.S. history. Fifteen others were wounded

Wood-Ridge Jr/Sr High School: Cultivating Character for the Nation

On Wednesday, November 13, 2013, I returned to Wood-Ridge Jr/Sr High School in New Jersey for the second phase of my Be a Person of Character: Change the World initiative.

During the day I addressed over 250 juniors, seniors and students throughout the school during assemblies and classroom visits.

Throughout the program, the character of the students was evident and their goodness gives great hope for the future of our nation.

Testimonial
Dear Mr. Bove:
On behalf of the students and staff of Wood-Ridge Junior-Senior High School, please accept our sincere appreciation…Your message strongly emphasized the importance of being a person of character and it truly impacted the lives of the students. Your dedication to spreading your positive message continued to be felt when you stayed to speak with other classrooms…Thank you, in addition for staying to train our Neutral Zone students…wherein peer leaders work to sustain a healthy and safe school climate.
Principal Sue DeNobile and Guidance Counselor/SAC Laura Goodman

America's Youth: Be a Person of Character-November 12, 2013 Blog

On Tuesday, November 12, 2013, I addressed 250 7th and 8th graders of the Wood-Ridge Public School District in New Jersey. The presentation was titled Be a Person of Character: Change the World.

This event was possible through the leadership of Police Chief Joseph T. Rutigliano and a team of police officers in collaboration with Dr. Sue De Nobile and Guidance Counselor Laura Goodman.

After my presentations I met with a cadre of hand selected high school student leaders and facilitated a mentoring/neutral zone initiative encouraging their dedication to character and bullying prevention.

This program is a continuation of years of educational initiatives designed to motivate a chain reaction to enhance character education in American schools.

Robert Waters School: Encouraging Character in Union City Students-April 13, 2011 Program

On Wednesday, April 13, 2011, I had the pleasure of returning to the Union City Public Schools in Hudson County, New Jersey to provide presentations to over 300 students and educators at the Robert Waters School. This was a continuation of numerous educational initiatives for administrators, security personnel, school crossing guards, parents and students throughout the district. At this event, the students met in the gym for a presentation titled Be a Person of Character: Change the World that included the importance of character through social networking.

Social networking technology includes:

• Instant Messaging, email, voice connection and web cams
  
• Online Community websites, such as MySpace and Facebook
  
• Media sharing websites, such as YouTube, Picasa and Flickr
  
• Cell Phones for voice, text, picture and video sharing

Some of the highlights of the event included:

• Focusing on what it means to be a student which includes personal responsibility, reaching one’s full potential and achieving greatness by making sacrifices. Students discussed the importance of encouraging one another and avoiding negativity and criticism.
  
• Honestly confronting problems at home and school.
  
• The importance of working together and being involved with the community including family and friends, church, community organizations and school.
  
• Developing personal leadership especially through the quality of character.
  
• The use of a Secret Power: "You have the power to change the world by helping each other do what is right."

We then explored the dangers of inappropriate content, including:

• Misinformation
  
• Pictures / Videos
  
• Language / Sexting
  
• Gangs / Criminal Activity
  
• Bullies / Cyberbullying
  
• Predators

All students were encouraged to get involved, making "Character: The Heart of the Matter," as inspired by Rachel Scott's Challenge:

• ELIMINATE PREJUDICE
  by looking for the Best in Others
  
• DARE TO DREAM
  Set Goals—Keep a Journal
  
• CHOOSE YOUR INFLUENCES
  Input Determines Output
  
• KIND WORDS
  Small Acts of Kindness = Huge Impact
  
• START A CHAIN REACTION
  With Family & Friends

As with all of my presentations, we concluded with a tribute honoring American Military Sacrifices.

Robert Waters School is to be highly commended for this initiative that encourages students to reach their full potential, wisely using the tools of the computer age, helping one another, developing personal character and enhancing a sense of patriotism.

Rachel Joy Scott (3:32)

<a HREF="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YR8Eae9vQ4g">Play the clip on YouTube</A>

READ MORE

Rachel's Challenge	Click here to visit site
Character Education Partnership	Click here to visit site
Sacred Honor: Police Officer, Soldier, Patriot	Click here to visit site

America's Youth: Be a Person of Character

On Tuesday, November 12, 2013, I addressed 250 7th and 8th graders of the Wood-Ridge Public School District in New Jersey. The presentation was titled Be a Person of Character: Change the World.

This event was possible through the leadership of Police Chief Joseph T. Rutigliano and a team of police officers in collaboration with Dr. Sue De Nobile and Guidance Counselor Laura Goodman.

After my presentations I met with a cadre of hand selected high school student leaders and facilitated a mentoring/neutral zone initiative encouraging their dedication to character and bullying prevention.

This program is a continuation of years of educational initiatives designed to motivate a chain reaction to enhance character education in American schools.

Robert Waters School: Encouraging Character in Union City Students-April 13, 2011 Program

On Wednesday, April 13, 2011, I had the pleasure of returning to the Union City Public Schools in Hudson County, New Jersey to provide presentations to over 300 students and educators at the Robert Waters School. This was a continuation of numerous educational initiatives for administrators, security personnel, school crossing guards, parents and students throughout the district. At this event, the students met in the gym for a presentation titled Be a Person of Character: Change the World that included the importance of character through social networking.

Social networking technology includes:

• Instant Messaging, email, voice connection and web cams
  
• Online Community websites, such as MySpace and Facebook
  
• Media sharing websites, such as YouTube, Picasa and Flickr
  
• Cell Phones for voice, text, picture and video sharing

Some of the highlights of the event included:

• Focusing on what it means to be a student which includes personal responsibility, reaching one’s full potential and achieving greatness by making sacrifices. Students discussed the importance of encouraging one another and avoiding negativity and criticism.
  
• Honestly confronting problems at home and school.
  
• The importance of working together and being involved with the community including family and friends, church, community organizations and school.
  
• Developing personal leadership especially through the quality of character.
  
• The use of a Secret Power: "You have the power to change the world by helping each other do what is right."

We then explored the dangers of inappropriate content, including:

• Misinformation
  
• Pictures / Videos
  
• Language / Sexting
  
• Gangs / Criminal Activity
  
• Bullies / Cyberbullying
  
• Predators

All students were encouraged to get involved, making "Character: The Heart of the Matter," as inspired by Rachel Scott's Challenge:

• ELIMINATE PREJUDICE
  by looking for the Best in Others
  
• DARE TO DREAM
  Set Goals—Keep a Journal
  
• CHOOSE YOUR INFLUENCES
  Input Determines Output
  
• KIND WORDS
  Small Acts of Kindness = Huge Impact
  
• START A CHAIN REACTION
  With Family & Friends

As with all of my presentations, we concluded with a tribute honoring American Military Sacrifices.

Robert Waters School is to be highly commended for this initiative that encourages students to reach their full potential, wisely using the tools of the computer age, helping one another, developing personal character and enhancing a sense of patriotism.

Rachel Joy Scott (3:32)

<a HREF="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YR8Eae9vQ4g">Play the clip on YouTube</A>

READ MORE

Rachel's Challenge	Click here to visit site
Character Education Partnership	Click here to visit site
Sacred Honor: Police Officer, Soldier, Patriot	Click here to visit site

Veterans Day: Honoring Sacrifice, Dedication, Patriotism

As America honors all who have served our nation with military service on Veterans Day, let us be forever grateful for their sacrifice, dedication and patriotism.

Liberation Monument: American Military Compassion, Character, Courage, Community-December 26, 2006 Blog

Surrounded by the historic significance of Ellis Island, the Statue of liberty and the New York skyline, is the Liberation Monument. Designed by sculptor Natan Rapaport, this inspirational statue depicts a World War II American Soldier carrying a survivor from the Auschwitz concentration camp. This image moves the soul to reflect on the values of compassion, character, courage and community.

Today, as in generations past, courageous Americans are making great sacrifices to serve our country and preserve our liberty. It is important for those who benefit from the valor of American service personnel to always remember and appreciate their dedication to our nation. Especially during the holiday season, their sacrifices are intimately shared by their loved ones and especially their children. It is critical to be mindful of their challenges and support American military and their families in every way possible.

The legacy of America urges a rebirth of patriotism that will transform us once again into a nation destined to be a hope for the world through its commitment to moral leadership, persevering vigilance and generous collaboration.

Click here to visit America Supports You...

Safeguarding America: Public Private Partnerships

On Friday, November 8, 2013 I attended a full day seminar titled Public Private Partnerships: The New Era of Information Sharing hosted by the ASIS International Western New Jersey Chapter.

The event included presentations by the FBI, New Jersey Office of Homeland Security & Preparedness, U.S. Department of Homeland Security and security professionals representing physical security, school safety and global communications technology.

As addressed in my presentations and writings for many years, this unity of effort between the public and private sector is critical to safeguarding our nation:

JCPD Waterfront Security Meeting: Promoting Public/Private Partnerships-November 19, 2008 Blog

On Tuesday, November 18, 2008, thanks to the leadership of Captain Brian McDonough and Officer Dina Reilly of the Jersey City Police Department East District, the monthly Waterfront Security Meeting was held at Goldman Sachs in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Aside from the public sector attendees which included the Jersey City Police Department, the Jersey City Office of Emergency Management and the New Jersey State Police, private sector representatives included security and human resource representatives from the following organizations:

• Advanced Integration Security
  
• Allied Barton Security Services
  
• AXA-Equitable Life Insurance Company
  
• Barclays Capital
  
• Brookfield Properties
  
• Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
  
• Care Security Systems
  
• Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
  
• Fidelity Investments
  
• Goldman Sachs
  
• John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
  
• JPMorgan Chase
  
• Hyatt Hotels
  
• McRoberts Protective Agency, Inc.
  
• Mulligan Security
  
• Pershing
  
• Professional Security Technologies, LLC
  
• Risk Protective Services
  
• Securitas
  
• Spartan Security Service Inc.
  
• TD Ameritrade
  
• The Bank of New York Mellon

As the invited keynote speaker, I was privileged to present When Domestic Violence Spills into the Workplace.

AGENDA

• Why are we Here?
  
• Domestic Abuse and Violence
  
• One Life
  
• Domestic Violence and the Workplace
  
• Overview and Impact
  
• Warning Signs
  
• Awareness and Action
  
• Lessons Learned: Virginia Tech Tragedy
  
• Violence Prevention In The Workplace
  
• American Military Tribute
  
• Conclusion

Although the statistics on the negative impact of domestic violence in the American workplace are staggering, I stressed the ethical standard we must have when it comes to violence prevention:

"When it comes to even one life, we must do what is right—not what is convenient, politically expedient, or the most cost effective.

"In simplest terms, we must learn to care for one another in our time of need."

It is caring, vigilant and proactive people, not sterile policies and procedures, that is the key to violence prevention in the workplace. By fostering leadership principles to create a culture of respect and unity of effort, employees are more likely to respond appropriately when they see warning signs.

After the presentation, Listen To Their Cries was available to participants. A donation from the proceeds was made to assist the Jersey City Police Department East District initiative for providing Thanksgiving turkeys and meals for needy families.

The Jersey City Police Department is to be commended for their leadership and commitment to the principles of community policing expressed through unity of effort and public/private partnerships cultivated through these Waterfront Security meetings. A special thanks is deserving of Goldman Sachs for hosting the event.

Active Shooter Training: Responding to America's Culture of Violence

On Wednesday, November 6, 2013 I attended an Active Shooter training program with over 125 law enforcement and private security professionals in Jersey City, New Jersey. The training was based on a course developed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and essential for crisis prevention, preparedness, response and recovery.

Recent incidents including the Garden State Plaza Mall, Los Angeles International Airport, Washington Navy Yard and Nevada Middle School are reminders of the criticality of active shooter training initiatives.

Active-shooter incidents triple since 2009: Attorney General-October 28, 2013 Post

Attorney General Eric Holder says the number and the lethal nature of active-shooter incidents nationwide have soared over the past five years.

In remarks to the nation's police chiefs in Philadelphia on Monday, October 21, 2013, the Attorney General said the United States saw an average of five active shooting incidents a year between 2000 and 2008. "Alarmingly, since 2009, this annual average has tripled. We've seen at least 12 active shooter situations so far in 2013."

This violence has been addressed by me since the Columbine tragedy in 1999 including my article titled Active Shooter Training: Responding to America's Culture of Violence for The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine, December 2013 edition and also in presentations, newest book and blogs:

Empire State Building Shooting: Warning Signs of a Disgruntled Former Employee-August 22, 2012 Blog

In the shadow of my most recent workplace violence awareness and prevention initiative and just a short drive away is another new tragedy of violence at one of the world's most famous locations.

As with so many workplace violence tragedies, the shooting at the Empire State Building once again clearly highlights the issue of warning signs.

Published reports expressed a long history of antagonism that even led to complaints on each other (killer and murdered victim) to the NYPD.

As detailed below in my July 14, 2012 post, America's culture of violence demands full force vigilance with continual assessments, training, warning sign intervention, plans, programs and protocols:

WORKPLACE VIOLENCE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION PROGRAM ON LONG ISLAND

On Friday, July 13, 2012, I delivered a presentation titled Workplace Violence Awareness: Prevention, Preparedness, Empowerment to 85 members of the Community Development Corporation of Long Island in East Patchogue. The presentation as organized by Lisa J. Dolan, CPP, President of Securit, covered basic issues of workplace violence and it was designed to increase awareness and initiate additional training, programs and protocols.

As addressed with all of my violence prevention presentations, articles and blogs, such as noted below, this is a serious issue for companies that deserves proactive full force viglilance.

EXERCISING LEADERSHIP TO PROTECT FACILITIES-February 21, 2007 Blog

According to its website, the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) is the premier professional association for facility management and supports the largest community of facility management professionals in the industry. IFMA membership comprises more then 17,500 facility professionals throughout 50 countries and its members have a voice in 126 chapters and 14 councils.

The mission of the New Jersey Chapter of IFMA is to enhance the value of the organization to the professional facility manager. The goal of the New Jersey Chapter is to serve as a user friendly,easily accessible resource of interaction, education and empowerment of professional skills and knowledge.

Complimenting the mission and goal of the New Jersey Chapter of IFMA, I was honored to be the guest speaker for their Wednesday, February 21, 2007 event at the Marriott in Somerset, New Jersey and presented, "Exercising Leadership to Protect Facilities" to over 50 facility management professionals representing New Jersey corporations and schools. The venue was generously sponsored by Bravo Building Services.

The agenda for the evening was:

• Setting the Stage (Hurricane Katrina: Lessons Learned-the need for a culture of preparedness, leadership, partnerships and unity of effort)
  
• A Crisis of Leadership (Public, Corporate and Professional Sports Scandals)
  
• A Culture of Violence (School and Workplace Violence/Terrorism)
  
• Exercising Leadership (Security Vulnerability Assessments, Risk Management, Target Hardening, Defense in Depth, Emergency Planning, Personnel Security, Sensitive Information Protection, Security Management, Crisis Management Committee's and Security Protocols including lockdowns, sheltering in place, evacuations, partial and full scale drills)

The presentation highlighted the cornerstone of facility protection as moral leadership, heightened vigilance and dedicated collaboration and the six pillars of practical day-to-day leadership as:

• Affirmation
  
• A Sense of Urgency
  
• Dignity
  
• Respect
  
• Honesty
  
• Compassion

As with all of my presentations, the program was punctuated with a moment of silence to reflect and remember those who are serving in our military and their families, especially those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

The attendees provided significant insights into their work and current concerns. Their commitment and dedication reminds us that:

"Leadership is key for those responsible for facilities and vigilance demands updated, tested and effective emergency plans to protect the lives of individuals entrusted to their care and to safeguard the very survival of their organizations."

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International Facility Management Association (IFMA)	Click here to visit site
IFMA – New Jersey Chapter	Click here to visit site