Violence Prevention: Securing Our Public Spaces and Schools

It was my privilege today to speak to over 100 members of the Bergen County Police Chiefs Association (BCPCA).

The meeting took place in Wallington, New Jersey and was attended by police chiefs from the 70 jurisdictions in Bergen County, as well as representatives from the FBI, and the Port Authority Police Department.

The current president of the BCPCA is Chief Thomas Shine of the Old Tappan, NJ Police Department. Chief Shine, along with his executive board, is tasked with carrying the torch of the associations mission statement which is as follows:

MISSION STATEMENT: To secure a closer official and personal relationship among police officials in the County of Bergen; to secure unity of action in police matters; to elevate the standards of police institutions; to strive for advancement among all lines that pertain to the prevention and to the detection of crime and the promotion of police efficiency in general.

The Bergen County Prosecutor, Mark Musella, was also in attendance. As noted on the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office website, "as Prosecutor, he is the chief law enforcement officer of Bergen County – the most populous county in New Jersey and home to nearly 1 million residents living in 70 municipalities. Prosecutor Musella oversees a staff of approximately 265 personnel at the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office (“BCPO”), consisting of Assistant Prosecutors, Detectives, and support staff. He also exercises supervisory authority over approximately 2,700 sworn law enforcement officers in 72 law enforcement agencies operating in Bergen County."

As the Chairperson for the BCPCA of Community Policing and School Security for the past 20 years, I share remarks to attendees at the monthly meetings, and have assisted as a keynote speaker at numerous conferences.

This month, I shared remarks from two of my newest published articles in The Chief of Police magazine, Volume XXXIV, Number 2. The articles were titled Mass Attacks in Public Spaces Demand America's Vigilance and Securing American Schools Demands the Preventive System.

Copies of the magazine, the official publication of the National Association of Chiefs of Police, were made available to all attendees.

Excerpts from the Articles:

Mass Attacks in Public Spaces Demand America's Vigilance

There are two significant reports by the United States Secret Service and the United States Department of Education. Both have been continually referenced in my school violence prevention assessments, articles, and keynotes since they were published in 2002.

Due to the courtesy of these agencies, I have distributed thousands of copies to law enforcement officials, educators and community leaders at my speaking venues.

The first report is titled "The Final Report And Findings Of The Safe School Initiative: Implications For The Prevention Of School Attacks In The United States."

The document deserves to be studied in its entirety but it highlights 10 key findings, which are as follows:

• Incidents of targeted violence at school rarely were sudden, impulsive acts.
• Prior to most incidents, other people knew about the attacker’s idea and/or plan to attack.
• Most attackers did not threaten their targets directly prior to advancing the attack.
• There is no accurate or useful “profile” of students who engaged in targeted school violence.
• Most attackers engaged in some behavior prior to the incident that caused others concern or indicated a need for help.
• Most attackers had difficulty coping with significant losses or personal failures. Moreover, many had considered or attempted suicide.
• Many attackers felt bullied, persecuted, or injured by others prior to the attack.
• Most attackers had access to and had used weapons prior to the attack.
• In many cases, other students were involved in some capacity.
• Despite prompt law enforcement responses, most shooting incidents were stopped by means other than law enforcement intervention.

It is important to note that although these findings were published in 2002, they are still a factor in attacks throughout America.

United States Secret Service / Second Report

The second report is titled "Threat Assessment In Schools: A Guide To Managing Threatening Situations And To Creating Safe School Climates."

This document also deserves to be studied in its entirety. But, for the sake of brevity, it highlights the 10 findings in the safe school initiative report and encourages fostering a culture of respect and breaking the “Code of Silence.”

This study also emphasizes that the primary purpose of a threat assessment is to prevent targeted violence.

Securing American Schools Demands the Preventive System

These are some of the principles of the preventive system of education, which is critical to reawakening the nation and must be cultivated in America’s schools:

• Teachers inspire admiration as they care for youth entrusted to their care.
• Teachers are respected as individuals with character, and motivate the same in their students.
• The edifice of the preventive system is character and its pillars, which include respect, responsibility, fairness, and citizenship.
• A vigilant presence is exercised to prevent inappropriate behavior and reward proper behavior.
• Improvements with behavior are motivated through kindness and respect rather than punishment.
• A collaborative and speedy intervention to warning signs takes place due to the educator’s presence and awareness.
• Educators influence through positive attitudes, professionalism, and approachability.
• Discipline can be as effective as an expression of disappointment or a reproachful look because the student admires the teacher and is loyal and respectful.
• Students are affirmed for their qualities and do not lose heart when mistakes are made.
• Students are encouraged to do what is right through the teacher’s patience, guidance, and understanding.

Note Well:

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Vincent is author of 275 articles, including his previous book, Listen To Their Cries. As a national speaker, he has addressed audiences nationwide on issues critical to America including ethical leadership, violence prevention, and crisis planning.

Photos:

1. Vincent J. Bove speaking the members of the BCPCA, Oct. 17, 2019. (Courtesy Vincent J. Bove Publishing, Photo by Chief Robert Francavilla)
2. NYPD at Radio City Music Hall, NYC, NY, Apr. 27, 2013 (Vincent J. Bove)
3. Students from Union City Public Schools during Vincent J. Bove character training day, Union City, NJ, Feb. 27, 2009. (Vincent J. Bove)