School Violence Countermeasures: Toxic Personalities, Warning Signs, Imminent Warning Signs

An understanding of toxic personalities is essential to law enforcement, private security professionals, educators, mental health professionals, and the judicial system, especially in regard to violence prevention.

The book How to Deal with Toxic People identifies the problematic personality types as follows:

·       The Deceiver — one who habitually lies, which is part of a larger deceptive context. This personality type creates mistrust, chaos, and uncertainty.

·       The Control Freak — meddles manipulatively, dictatorial, and holds others to impossible standards. They drain others energy and seek to undermine the self-worth of others.

·       The Gaslighter — comes from a 1944 film “Gaslight,”  highlighting a manipulative spouse. A Gaslighter schemes to make the innocent party feel they are psychologically impaired.

·       The Angry Venter — treats others as verbal punching bags.

·       The Know-It-All — is right about everything, always in competition with others, and needs to win always. They seek to manipulate, mistreat and dominate.

·       The Intimidator — seeks control by issuing threats, sometimes with a bark and no bite, but can also back threats with actions.  They breed resentment, bitterness and anger.

·       The Egotist — their motto is “It’s all about me!” They crave, demand, and hog the spotlight, dominate conversations, and disregard the needs of others.

·       The Drama Queen or Crisis King — Every issue, even normal experiences is catastrophic. They need to be the center of the storm, whip up problems, and orchestrate emotional conflicts.

·       The Put-Down Artist — uses words, tone of voice and actions to degrade the value of others. They are often callous and insulting, using biting remarks, or sarcasm to diminish others.

·       The Moral Authority — pontificates to coerce compliance.

·       The Emotional Roller Coaster — takes others on mood swings to control.

·       The Pessimist — spreads discontent, and negativity like a contagious virus.

·       The Guilter — never able to apologize, but always blaming others for everything.

·       The Addict — dysfunctional due to addictions (substance abuse, gambling, alcoholism, etc.) and will say and do anything to cover their needs. This includes distorting truth and inventing false realities. [1]

A toxic personality does not definitively lead to acts of violence. Yet, understanding toxic personalities, especially when warning signs or imminent warning signs are identified, is pertinent. This understanding is beneficial to preventing violence and upholding civility in society.

Warning Signs, Timely Response

Understanding warning signs was memorialized in the government booklet Early Warning, Timely Response: A Guide to Safe Schools published by the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE). [2]

This booklet is a treasure trove for understanding and preventing school violence, yet its insights are still not appreciated.

The booklet punctuates that it is not always possible to predict violent behavior. However, the community can recognize early warning signs and provide intervention.

An abundance of caution is always the necessary approach to violence prevention. One should assume that warning signs, especially when numerous, indicate a need for a threat assessment.

All the USDOE warning signs are not equally significant. They are not listed by significance, and deserve contextual understanding. The USDOE early warning signs are as follows:

·       Social withdrawal

·       Excessive feelings of isolation and being alone

·       Excessive feelings of rejection

·       Being a victim of violence

·       Feelings of being picked on and persecuted

·       Low school interest/poor academic performance

·       Uncontrolled anger

·       Patterns of impulsive and chronic hitting, intimidating and bullying

·       Expression of violence in writings

·       History of discipline problems

·       Past history of violent aggressive behavior

·       Drug and alcohol use

·       Affiliation with gangs

·       Intolerance for differences and prejudicial attitudes

·       Inappropriate access to, possession of and use of firearms

·       Serious threats of violence

Imminent Warning Signs

The Early Warning Timely Response booklet gives additional insights on each of these warning signs.

 It also highlights imminent warning signs as follows:

“Imminent warning signs indicate a student is very close to behaving in a way that is potentially dangerous to self/or to others.  Imminent warning signs require an immediate response.

“Imminent warning signs are usually presented as a sequence of overt, serious, hostile behaviors or threats directed at peers, staff or other individuals. Usually, imminent warning signs are evident to more than one staff member — as well as to the child’s family.”

Imminent warning signs according to the guide, may include;

·       Serious physical fighting with peers or family members.

·       Severe destruction of property.

·       Severe rage for seemingly minor reasons.

·       Detailed threats of lethal violence

·       Possession and/or use of firearms and other weapons.

·       Other self-injurious behaviors or threats of suicide.

When warning signs indicate a danger is imminent, safety must be first and foremost. The document stresses that “action must be taken immediately.” Immediate intervention by school authorities and law enforcement officers is needed when an individual:

·       “Has presented a detailed plan (time, place, method) to harm or kill others — particularly if the child has a history of aggression, or has attempted to carry out threat in the past.

·       Is carrying a weapon, particularly a firearm, and has threatened to use it.”

 

Countermeasures

Now that we have noted toxic personalities, warning signs, and imminent warning, let us focus on countermeasures. 

Here are six basic countermeasures to prevent school violence that deserve implementation:

1.      Security Vulnerability Assessment: The security vulnerability assessment (SVA) identifies and evaluates the vulnerabilities and strengths of schools. The primary concern of the SVA is the protection of lives. It should be conducted by a reputable board-certified protection professional. Each school has its own personality. Therefore, each SVA must be customized to properly diagnosis vulnerabilities and provide corrective measures.

2.      School resource officers (SRO’s) and School Safety Agents:  Schools deserve qualified, certified, and dedicated professionals. These individuals need a charisma that builds respect and trust with the entire school community.

3.       Preventive System of Education: In this system, educators are vigilant and exemplify encouragement through respect, courtesy, and reasonableness.  The preventive system builds trust with students, staff, and community.  It responds to concerns with measured interventions, not rigid repressiveness.

4.       Professional Development Programs: These programs are important for all staff members. Training must include coaches, parents, cafeteria personnel, SRO’s, security personnel, board of education members, mental health professionals, school crossing guards, bus drivers, parents, and students.

5.       Character Development Initiatives: Schools must provide the leadership to instill a culture of character. Developing students of character, built on pillars of honesty, civility, and patriotism must be paramount throughout America’s schools.

6.       Threat Assessment Teams: The threat assessment team requires a collaborative approach by numerous disciplines — including security, mental health, faculty, administration, and law enforcement.  Warning signs of violence demands immediate intervention.

Final Reflections

American schools must be fully dedicated to security principles, character education, and academic excellence.

When the community is vigilant with security concerns, inspires character through example, and encourages academic excellence, we will be on the path to transforming American schools.

About the Author

Vincent J. Bove is a national speaker, author, and confidant on issues critical to America with over 325 published works. 

His most recent of four books are Reawakening America © and Listen to Their Cries.© 

Bove is recipient of the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award, former confidant of players from two world champion New York Yankee teams, and served as spokesperson for a coalition of Virginia Tech tragedy victim’s families.

Bove is an author for the National Association of Chiefs of Police, with over 60 published works and an unprecedented 18 cover stories for their magazine. 

He also served the Bergen County Police Chiefs Association for 20 consecutive years as liaison and chairperson on policing leadership, violence prevention, and public safety issues.

For 20 years, Vincent served as a Board Certified Protection Professional (CPP), Board Certified Crime Prevention Specialist, Certified Police Training Commission Instructor, Crime Prevention Practitioner, and USDOJ Certified Community Anti-Terrorism Instructor Trainer.

Bove is a licensed State of New Jersey / Division of State Police SORA Instructor, and founder of Reawakening America LLC.

Contact: vincent@vincentbove.com

PHOTOS:

1. Copy of article as published in the ASIS International NYC Chapter Security Director Magazine, Nov. 13, 2024 and available on line.  The magazine will be distributed hard copy to the association attendees at their annual trade show in November.

2. Vincent J. Bove conducting training for Port Authority Police Department sergeant’s prior to promotions to lieutenant, Oct. 20, 2015. (Courtesy PAPD)

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[1] How to Deal with Toxic People, Gregory L. Jantz, PhD with Keith Wall, Aspire Press, © 2021. Pgs. 12 — 38.

[2] https://www.schoolsafety.gov/resource/early-warning-timely-response-guide-safe-schools

School Violence, Active Shooter, 21st Century Policing: Presentation Abstracts

American School Violence Demands Moral Courage  ►

The school community is burdened with providing an unprecedented level of security diligence and professionalism to ensure safety for students, faculty, staff members, and families.

This program covers proactive responses to school violence that balance cutting-edge crime prevention tips, the preventive pedagogy of education, and the mobilizing and solidifying the community to serve as ethical protectors. 

Personnel, physical, and procedural security are integrated with community empowerment through the preventive pedagogy.  This serves as the launching pad to standards of excellence necessary for security awareness and educational revitalization.

This program is for school administrators, faculty, staff, coaches, law enforcement, students, and families of elementary, middle, high schools, and colleges – both public and private.

America's Active Shooter Crisis Demands Leadership  ►

Leadership is critical for law enforcement, private security, government officials, property managers, educational administrators, and all those responsible for safeguarding individuals entrusted to their care.

Violence is the new reality of American life and companies, schools, campuses, houses of worship, and public gatherings throughout the nation are potential targets.

Through his own moral courage, vast experience, and invaluable security, Vincent inspires and empowers attendees to rise to the challenge and become leaders in times of crisis.

He addresses a litany of contemporary issues and demonstrates how a community must meet them head-on.

​From active shooter response guidelines, personal safety, substance abuse, domestic violence, diversity, conflict resolution, situational awareness, workplace violence, crisis management, emergency preparedness, drills, evacuations, and warning signs

21st Century Policing: America’s Ethical Protectors ►

Contemporary Policing demands visionary leadership, moral courage, and iron-clad collaboration that builds trust within the agency and community.

This highly-motivational, ethical presentation or training program fills the demands that 21st century policing requires.

Ethical policing training and development is a proven educational model that strengthens operational efficiency, improves moral, and increases respectability.

Ethics empowers the rank-and-file of an agency with leadership skills, vigilance enhancement, and collaborative expertise.

It addresses state-of-the-art ethical principles based upon recognized issues vital to the profession. This is the most effective way of developing, attaining, and sustaining the vision, mission, and core values of the agency.

It will strengthen agency accountability and improve community trust through principles that honor expectations, performance, and responsibility.

Ethical training assists in limiting the agency’s liability since it has been conducted by an independent, respected authority.

About the Speaker

Vincent J. Bove is a national speaker and author. He authored eighteen cover stories for The Chief of Police, and 300 additional articles for numerous publications. His most recent books are Reawakening America and Listen to Their Cries.

Bove is recipient of the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award, and former confidant for players from two world champion New York Yankee teams.

He developed “Leadership Principles: Crisis Planning, Community Partnerships, Violence Prevention” keynotes to safeguard New York City at sites including:

·         Museums hosted by the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

·         Corporations hosted by The New York Stock Exchange

·         Hospitals hosted by Rockefeller University

·         Properties hosted by The Union Club of New York

·         Universities hosted by Columbia University, the New York Athletic Club and Fordham University.

Bove has conducted extensive leadership presentations for the FBI, the United States Military Academy, law enforcement, educators, security professionals, and students nationwide. www.vincentbove.com

“We must all serve as catalysts to protect our workplaces, schools, communities, public spaces, and houses of worship.  Public safety demands leadership, vigilance, and collaboration.  Security demands comprehensive enhancements, on-going training, effective response to warning signs, and building bridges with law enforcement, private security, and every member of the community.”  Vincent J Bove

Photos: Vincent J. Bove, a selection of 18 cover stories for The National Association of Chiefs of Police - magazines were published hard copy and distributed for 15 consecutive years, and a selection is also posted on their website.

America’s Heart Wounded: NYPD Officer Killed by Career Criminal

“Tonight this city lost a hero, a wife lost her husband, and a young child lost their father. 

“We struggle to find the words to express the tragedy of losing one of our own. The work that Police Officer Jonathan Diller did each day to make this city a safer place will NEVER be forgotten.

“Our prayers are with his family, loved ones, and brothers and sisters in blue.” NYPD

America’s heart is wounded again as another of our nations protectors senselessly loses his life.

According to law enforcement sources, the NYPD officer killed today was shot by a career criminal with 21 prior arrests.

Let us pray for the repose of the soul of Officer Jonathan Diller, and for all who have lost their lives protecting our communities.  

May Almighty God also grant His grace upon his loved ones and the NYPD family.

And let us have the moral courage to take action to reawaken America to honor them.

Bail Reform Law: A Failure of Justice

Read the statement of Reawakening America LLC, published in my March 5, 2024 report for The Chief of Police titled 21^st Century Policing: Issues and Response.

The report spotlights the Jan. 27, 2024 assault on NYPD officers in Times Square and the misguided Bail Reform Law of New York.

It's egregious deficiency is memorialized in the report as follows:

“Contemptuous: ten violent criminals assault NYPD officers – pummeling and viciously kicking their faces.

“After their arrests they are immediately released, only to publicly insult all dedicated to moral decency with arrogance.

“Releasing them is the indisputable proof of the failure of the Bail Reform Law of New York.

“This incident demands moral outrage by law enforcement and the public, and immediate action to change the law to mandate consequences for criminality.

“Protecting our communities is a shared responsibility. The police and the community must be one and inseparable.

“We must be fully dedicated without compromise to protecting one another.

“Problems ignite whenever our unity of effort is compromised and we do not stand united against depravity.”

Read Bove Articles in The Chief of Police:

21^st Century Policing: Issues and Response                                                 

21st Century American Policing Demands Ethical Leadership

Safeguarding America’s Protectors: A Community Responsibility

Related Reawakening America LLC Statement: 

The NYPD Exodus Crisis is America's Travesty

PS: During the funeral of her beloved husband, the wife of Jonathan Dillard reprimanded elected officials before an estimated 10,000 congregants on March 30, 2023.

Stephanie Diller, 29, pleaded during her heart wrenching eulogy inside St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church at Massapequa, Long Island:

“How many more police officers and how many more families have to make the ultimate sacrifice before we start protecting them?” 

About the Author

Vincent J. Bove is a national speaker and author on critical American issues.

He authored eighteen cover stories for The Chief of Police and an additional 300 articles in numerous publications. His most recent of four books are Reawakening America and Listen to Their Cries.

Bove is recipient of the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award, and former confidant for players from two world champion New York Yankee teams.

Bove served as spokesperson for a coalition of Virginia Tech tragedy victim’s families. 

He has also conducted leadership presentations for the FBI, the United States Military Academy, law enforcement, educators, security professionals, and students nationwide.

 “We must all serve as catalysts to protect our workplaces, schools, communities, public spaces, and houses of worship.  Public safety demands leadership, vigilance, and collaboration.  Security demands comprehensive enhancements, on-going training, effective response to warning signs, and building bridges with law enforcement, private security, and every member of the community.”  Vincent J Bove

 

"Vincent Bove dedicates his life to making his fellow citizens and communities safer and more secure.

"I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Vincent Bove for his sense of duty, determination and dedication in making our country a safer and more secure place to live."

Congressional Record, 108th Congress

Reawakening the Nation - A Special Report: 21st Century Policing: Issues and Response

During nine months of travels throughout Italy, China and California (June 2023 – February 2024), I remained in constant contact with American law enforcement and private security colleagues.

The focus was policing and security concerns in America, and the responses necessary to address these issues.

In this article, the issues and responses will be addressed.  It is my hope these reflections will encourage our nation’s protectors and provide a roadmap to assist them.

The path forward I believe, is only possible by inspiring a culture of ethics, altruism, vigilance and dedication to community and country.

Dedication to America

Before continuing, I am compelled to share experiences my wife and I had visiting both World War II American military cemeteries in Italy.

We visited these sacred grounds to honor Americans who offered the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.

Respecting our military, and reverence for those who lost their lives in service of our freedom, is an indisputable principle for the reawakening of our nation.

This respect is also one of the nine Principles of American Policing.

Reflections of these visits are memorialized in the journal I maintained during our travels as follows:

June 21, 2023: Florence American WWII Cemetery

“In the afternoon, we traveled from Florence, Italy to the Florence American WWII Cemetery, 7 ½ miles south in Impruneta to honor American hero’s.

“On these sacred grounds lie 4,393 Americans.

“There is also a large sculptured figure on site titled ‘The Spirit of Peace’ and tablets of 1,409 have their names engraved upon it as missing in action.

“As we walked the hallowed grounds, we felt mystically connected with them, profoundly grateful for America, and profoundly aware of the price of freedom.”

July 1, 2023: Sicily-Rome American Cemetery

“Today we traveled 1.5 hours by train from Rome to the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery in the town of Nettuno.

“We then walked 25 minutes from the station to the cemetery, obligated as Americans to visit both resting places for our World War II heroes.

“These visitations were enriching spiritual experiences that will be forever engraved into our souls.

“Here in Nettuno is the sacred burial ground of 7,858 Americans. Also, in the on-site chapel a staggering additional 3,095 names engraved into stone.  These are the missing in action, lost at sea, or buried at sea.

“In my next article for The Chief of Police I will memorialize this experience. Honoring American military sacrifices is critical for law enforcement and all privileged to call America their home. It is my solemn responsibility to uphold this principle.”

Return to America

After traveling Italy for one month (June 13 – July 14, 2023) and then China (July 14 – October 30, 2023) we returned to America to reside in Irvine, California through February 26, 2024.

While in California, I was involved with numerous law enforcement concerns there.  But, also in constant communication with New Jersey and New York law enforcement.

In California, I was privileged to be the guest speaker which is memorialized in my on-line news titled The Sentinel as follows:

21st-Century Policing: Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center Presentation

“Thanks to the collaborative leadership of the U. S. Marshall for the SDNY (and his respected leadership with recommending my presentation), the NYPD Southern California Liaison, the County of Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, I was privileged to deliver a January 10, 2024 presentation in California.

“The presentation titled 21st-Century Policing: Safeguarding our Communities occurred at the Saddle Brook Church in Lake Forest, California. 

It was presented to members of the Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center.

“Attendees represented law enforcement agencies throughout California. They work in partnership on issues including domestic terrorism, civil unrest, violence prevention, criminal risks, and threat assessment.

“During the presentation, my topics included the following:

·        American – Chinese Law Enforcement Comparisons

·        Law Enforcement Safety, Morale, and Emotional Survival

·        Community / Neighborhood Policing Concepts.

·        Building Partnerships through Encounters

·        Law enforcement / Community Bridges of Trust

·        School Violence, Workplace Violence, Community Violence: Issues, and Response

·        America’s Active Shooter Crisis

“Attendees included the following:

·        Los Angeles Police Department

·        Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department

·        San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department

·        Riverside County Sheriff’s Department

·        Orange County Sheriff’s Department

·        NYPD

·        FBI

·        County of Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department

·        San Diego County Sheriff’s Department

·        United States Air Marshals

·        San Diego Police Department

·        Anaheim Police Department

·        Orange County Probation Department

·        UCLA Police Department

·        University of California Irvine Police Department

·        Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Reserve

“It was my honor to address these law enforcement officials dedicated to protecting and serving our communities. They truly represent the best of all of us.

“Additional initiatives in California are underway because of today's event, and it will be my privilege to support all dedicated to public safety.” 

Law Enforcement and Private Security Issues

While traveling, these were some of the published articles concerned colleagues and I exchanged, especially those in California, New Jersey, and the NYPD:

·       7 indicted in attack on 2 NYPD officers in Times Square, Five of the defendants, who had previously been arrested, face felony charges, officials said.  NBC News

·       2 Minn. police officers, 1 medic killed during domestic call identified, ems1.com

·       Inside the ‘pressure cooker’: 4 deaths in 24 hours open up conversation about suicides by police, CNN

·       Police Suicides: Awareness, Prevention, Action, The Sentinel

·       Safeguarding America’s Protectors: A Community Responsibility, The Chief of Police

·        In Memoriam: America’s Fallen Officers, The Chief of Police

·        Former Head of FBI Counterintelligence Sentenced to Prison for Concealing Business Deals, share.newsbreak.com

·        Maine mass shooting: 18 dead and 13 injured in US city of Lewiston, BBC News

·        Kansas City shooting: One dead and 21 injured near Super Bowl parade, BBC News

·        Almost 5,000 people have died in U.S. gun violence so far in 2024, The shootings have reignited debate about gun violence in America, ABC News

·        "Mass killers practice at home": How domestic violence and mass shootings are linked, CBS News

·        4 Students Shot Outside Atlanta High School, The New York Times

·        Butler County Sheriff addresses what he learned at conference [America’s infrastructure and Cyber-Security deficiencies], youtube.com

·        Safeguarding America’s Protectors: A Community Responsibility, The Chief of Police

·        A new Homeland Security guide aims to help houses of worship protect themselves, apnews

·        Exclusive Report: Instructors at Bergen County Academy Removed, New Recruit Class Suspended, share.newsbreak.com

·        Private Police Training Promoted Unconstitutional Tactics, Demeaned Women and Minorities, NJ.gov

·        Police Trainers Used Sexist Language and Glorified Violence, Videos Show. Street Cop Training, a private police training company, encouraged the use of unconstitutional tactics, a report by New Jersey’s comptroller says, The New York Times

·        NJ Police lieutenant arrested for stealing cocaine, fentanyl form evidence room: “Brazen disregard of the law,’ New York Post

·       Controversial police training firm files for bankruptcy, blames New Jersey Investigations, newjerseymonitor.com

·       Wall Township Police Sergeant Charged with Stealing More than $75K from Local PBA, Office of the Monmouth County Prosecutor

·       N.J. police sergeant facing more charges after allegedly stealing $75K from PBA, officials say, nj.com

·       Misconduct Claims at Bergen County Police Academy under investigation, classes suspended, northjersey.com

·       Hate Crimes against Asians jumped 107% in California in ‘an epidemic of hate,’ Los Angeles Times

·       21^st Century Policing Demands Ethical Leadership, The Chief of Police

·       Justice Department Released Report on its Critical Incident Review of the Response to the Mass Shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, U.S. Department of Justice

·       School Violence Warning Signs through the Prism of Uvalde’s Tragedy, The Sentinel

·       SPECIAL REPORT: School Violence: Toxic Personalities, Warning Signs, Countermeasures AMERICA’S SCHOOL VIOLENCE CRISIS, The Chief of Police 

·       Passaic County Sheriff Richard Berdnik shoots himself inside Clifton restaurant, northjersey.com

·       New Jersey Sheriff Richard Berdnik fatally shoots himself in restaurant after officers charged, share.newsbreak.com

·      21^st Century Policing Demands Ethical Leadership, The Chief of Police

·       Passaic Sheriff’s Office brought $10m in security items from firm targeted by FBI, northjersey.com

·       Human Trafficking Concerns related to the Super Bowl, (America’s Human Trafficking Scourge Demands Moral Leadership, The Sentinel)

·       After 3 years and $1.5M, cops in N.J. racism scandal could face discipline, nj.com

·       Watch: Cops Forced To Restrain ‘Drunk” NJ Police Chief At Tense Crash Scene, nj1015.com

·       NJ Police Chief retires early after drunken Kerfuffle with his own cop who slammed him on car hood: mayor, New York Post

·         21^st Century Policing: Orange County Intelligence Center Presentation, The Sentinel

America’s Crisis

Officer Safety/Emotional Survival, Ethics, Mass Shootings: A Response

Addressing these issues, the following insights, documented proactively from extensive published works and presentations, beckon a wakeup call to America.

It is hopeful that after reflection, and review of the articles noted below, a renewed resolve and action plans will be inspired and implemented:

Police Suicides: Awareness, Prevention, Action 

“Aside from resources for assistance within agencies such as the NYPD, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) at 1 800-273-8255, provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, as well as prevention and crisis resources, best practices, and enhancing awareness.

“As detailed on the NSPL website, these are some warning signs that may help to determine if one is at risk for suicide. These warning signs, 'especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change' demands that someone seek help:

•        Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves

•        Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun

•        Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live

•        Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain

•        Talking about being a burden to others

•        Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs

•        Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly

•        Sleeping too little or too much

•        Withdrawing or isolating themselves

•        Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge

•        Extreme mood swings

Prevent a Tragedy: See Something, Say Something

“Each life is sacred and deserving of respect, support, and encouragement.

“The maxim 'if you see something say something' is applicable not only to crime prevention, but to protecting the lives of all who serve, and all experiencing emotional trauma.

“We must continually have our eyes wide open to warning signs of suicide, and the moral courage to respond to prevent tragedies.”

REAWAKENING THE NATION: 

Safeguarding America’s Protectors: A Community Responsibility

“Protecting our communities is a shared responsibility. The police and the community must be one and inseparable. We must be fully dedicated, without compromise, to protecting one another.

“Every law enforcement member who died protecting and serving our communities deserves America’s eternal gratitude, remembrance, and honor.

“We must also be forever mindful of their families and support them with unwavering compassion, respect, and dignity.

“America is the 'land of the free and home of the brave' because of the sacrifices of law enforcement and armed forces. Let us eternally honor them and forever hold their families, friends, and colleagues in our prayers.”

Regarding the extensive media coverage on the assault of NYPD officers, I immediately released the following statement to law enforcement and on social media:

Statement on the January 27, 2024 Assault of NYPD Officers in Times Square

Reawakening America, LLC

Vincent J. Bove

"Contemptuous: ten violent criminals assault NYPD officers – pummeling and viciously kicking their faces.

"After their arrests they are immediately released, only to publicly insult all dedicated to moral decency with arrogance.

"Releasing them is the indisputable proof of the failure of the Bail Reform Law of New York.

"This incident demands moral outrage by law enforcement and the public, and immediate action to change the law to mandate consequences for criminality.

"Protecting our communities is a shared responsibility.  The police and the community must be one and inseparable.

"We must be fully dedicated without compromise to protecting one another.

"Problems ignite whenever our unity of effort is compromised and we do not stand united against depravity.”

REAWAKENING THE NATION: 

21st Century American Policing Demands Ethical Leadership 

“Along with protecting those who protect us, we must also ensure they have world class training as noted in the Principles of American Policing.

“Therefore, the program 21st Century Policing: America’s Ethical Protectors is a necessity for law enforcement.

“Ethical training, development, and certification are critical to the entire law enforcement profession.

“Law enforcement agencies nationwide require ongoing ethical policing certification programs fundamental to their mission.

“Here are some pillars of a program spotlighting ethical policing as the hallmark for professionalism. Reasons include the following:

·   Ethical policing certification is a proven educational model that strengthens operational efficiency, improves morale, and increases respectability.

·   Ethics empowers the rank-and-file of an agency with leadership skills, vigilance enhancement, and collaborative expertise.

·   Ethical Policing addresses state-of-the-art ethical principles based upon recognized issues vital to the profession. This is the most effective way of developing, attaining, and sustaining the vision, mission, and core values of the agency.

·   Ethical Policing strengthens agency accountability and improves community trust through principles enhancing expectations, performance, and responsibility.

·   Ethical certification assists in limiting the agency’s liability as it demonstrates that ethical training has been conducted by an independent respected authority.

“This program, which I developed and presented for a successful partnership of the Bergen County Police Chiefs Association, Bergen County Prosecutors Office, and Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, has an agenda in this article deserving of implementation.”

America’s Active Shooter Crisis Demands Visionary Leadership 

“America’s flag continues to fly at half-staff too often due to violent rampages against the innocent.

“Visionary leadership must inspire vigilance and collaboration to prevent violence. We must have the determination, commitment, and courage to protect ourselves and others.

“Training initiatives, security assessments, sound security measures, building police-community partnerships, professional security personnel, responding effectively to warning signs, and the moral courage of elected officials to make necessary changes are critical safeguards against active shooter tragedies.

“These pillars must be inseparable from securing our communities against mass shooting tragedies and essential to reawakening the nation.”

SPECIAL REPORT

School Violence: Toxic Personalities, Warning Signs, Countermeasures, 

AMERICA’S SCHOOL VIOLENCE CRISIS

“Recently, I read the book titled How to Deal with Toxic People.

“It was a glaring reminder that understanding toxic personalities is essential to law enforcement, educators, mental health professionals, private security professionals, educators, and the judicial system.

“Here are the toxic personality types addressed in the book:

·         The Deceiver — one who habitually lies, which is part of a larger deceptive context. This personality type creates mistrust, chaos, and uncertainty.

·         The Control Freak — meddles with your business, tells you how to act and holds you to impossible standards. They drain your energy and seek to undermine others self-worth.

·         The Gas lighter — comes from a 1944 film “Gaslight,” which highlights a manipulative spouse making the innocent party feel they are psychologically impaired.

·         The Angry Venter — treats others as verbal punching bags.

·         The Know-It-All — is right about everything, always in competition with others and needs to win always. They seek to manipulate, mistreat, and dominate others.

·         The Intimidator — seeks control by issuing threats, sometimes with bark and no bite, but can also back threats with actions.  They breed resentment, bitterness, and anger.

·         The Egotist — their motto is “It’s all about me!” They crave, demand and hog the spotlight, dominate conversation and disregard the needs of others.

·         The Drama Queen or Crisis King — every issue, even normal experiences is catastrophic. They need to be the center of the storm, whip up problems, and orchestrate emotional conflicts.

·         The Put-Down Artist — uses words, tone of voice and actions to degrade the value of others. They are often callous and insulting, using biting remarks or sarcasm to diminish others.

·         The Moral Authority — pontificates to coerce compliance.

·         The Emotional Roller Coaster — takes others on mood swings to control.

·         The Pessimist — spreads discontent, and negativity like a contagious virus.

·         The Guilter — never able to apologize, but always blaming others for everything.

·         The Addict — dysfunctional due to addictions (substance abuse, gambling, alcoholism, etc.) and will say and do anything to cover their needs, including distorting the truth and inventing false realities.

“The ability to effectively respond to toxic personalities begins with awareness. These toxic personality types are highlighted to empower individuals to have the antidotes of knowledge and confidence to effectively respond. 

“A toxic personality does not definitively lead to acts of violence. Yet, understanding toxic personalities, especially when initial warning, or imminent warning signs are identified, is pertinent.

“This understanding benefits understanding human deficiencies, and can assist with preventing violence, and contribute to civility in society.”

Protecting America’s Houses of Worship, Schools, Facilities: A National Model 

“America’s law enforcement, in collaboration with private security professionals and houses of worship demands leadership.

“We must continually build bridges with communities through the concept of shared responsibility.

“Vigilance is critical as these are challenging times. The principles of security recommended in this article serve as a foundation for security in houses of worship nationwide.

“Our houses of worship represent the bedrock of America’s freedom of religion, guaranteed by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. Our  nation’s sacred spaces deserve our dedication, unity of effort, vigilance, and leadership.

“We must all serve as catalysts to protect our workplaces, schools, communities, public spaces, governmental facilities, and houses of worship.

“Public safety demands visionary leadership as well as vigilance, and collaboration.

“Security demands proactive threat assessments by board certified professionals, comprehensive ongoing enhancements (physical, personnel, procedural, and cyber), continual training and certifications, an effective response to warning signs, and building partnerships with law enforcement, private security professionals, and every member of the community.

Final Reflections

My specific response to the racism scandal addressed by the New Jersey Attorney General in the article titled After 3 years and $1.5M, cops in N.J. racism scandal could face discipline is the following:

Vanquishing Racism, Bigotry, Hate: A Reflection on the Holocaust 

“The dark chapter of the holocaust must have eternal lessons for humanity.

“All of us must be completely dedicated to forever vanquishing hatred from the face of the earth.

“Hatred is a reality, as well as with a lack of tolerance toward anyone who is different.

“America must stand against all who violate the principles of our Constitution, Bill of Rights, and every noble principle of humanity.

“The character of the good people of America will rise to the occasion.

“We will overcome hatred and be reawakened because tolerance, respect, and charity are the heartbeat that unites us.”

About the Author

Vincent J. Bove is a national speaker and author on critical American issues. He has eighteen cover stories for The Chief of Police and 300 articles in numerous publications. His most recent books are Reawakening America and Listen to Their Cries.

Bove is recipient of the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award, and former confidant for the New York Yankees.

He served as spokesperson for a coalition of Virginia Tech tragedy victim’s families, and has conducted extensive leadership presentations for the FBI, the United States Military Academy, law enforcement, educators, security professionals, and students nationwide.

 “We must all serve as catalysts to protect our workplaces, schools, communities, public spaces, and houses of worship.  Public safety demands leadership, vigilance, and collaboration.  Security demands comprehensive enhancements, on-going training, effective response to warning signs, and building bridges with law enforcement, private security, and every member of the community.”  Vincent J Bove

Note Well: This report was published as a partnership of Reawakening America LLC with the National Association of Chiefs of Police on March 5, 2024.

The report compliments the previous published work titled 21st Century American Policing Demands Ethical Leadership, published for The Chief of Police, Summer 2023 hard copy and website editions.

Bove has 18 cover stories for the National Association of Chiefs of Police and authored a total of sixty articles for the association for 15 consecutive years.

Publication Editor's Testimonial: 

"Thank you very much for your contribution "21st Century Policing: Issues and Response." The piece serves as a significant asset to the discourse surrounding law enforcement, particularly amidst the challenges of our current era.  Your dedication to addressing pertinent issues is commendable and greatly appreciated."

"Every one of your articles in your vast collection have been immensely important to the continued improvement of American law enforcement."  Publication Editor, The Chief of Police

Photos

1. Florence American Cemetery, Impruneta, Italy, June 21, 2023. Photo: Reawakening America LLC (RALLC)

2. Florence American Cemetery, Impruneta, Italy and Sicily-Rome American Cemetery, Nettuno, Italy, June 21, 2023 and July 1, 2023 collage. Photo: (RALLC).

3. The Chief of Police, Reawakening American Policing cover story, Summer 2020 by VJB.

4. Shared Responsibility Quote, VJB (Photo Background courtesy RALLC)

5. Port Authority Police Officer, World Trade Center 30^th anniversary of first attack, Feb. 26, 2024. (Photo Courtesy NYPD News on X)

6. Active Shooter Quote VJB, Photo RALLC.

7. NYPD promotion, Feb. 23, 2024 (Photo Credit NYPD News on X)

8. Protecting Houses of Worship Cover, The Chief of Police Spring 2015.

9. NYPD Officer, Times Square, 12/31/2023 (Courtesy NYPD Chief of Depart. on X) 

10. Reawakening America book cover with pics from Bove keynote titled  America's Drug Crisis: Issue and Response, Champion, PA, Oct. 20, 2017 for PAHMA.

11. Character quote VJB from The Chief of Police cover story American Government Requires Leaders of Character, Summer 2018.

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Virginia Tech Articles in the Sentinel by Vincent J. Bove, 2007 — 2017.

Early Warning, Timely Response: A Guide to Safe Schools, 1999.

To Protect & Educate: The School Resource Officer and the Prevention of Violence in Schools, 2012.

School Bullying: A Matter of Life and Death, 2016 by Vincent J. Bove

Preventing Bullying: A Manual for Schools and Communities. USDOE 1998

Practical Information on Crisis Planning, 2007. 

Justice Department Releases Report on its Critical Incident Review of the Response to the Mass Shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas

Testimonials

Vincent,

Your special report is now live and featured prominently on https://www.copmag.org/ 

The depth and breadth of your analysis on all things law enforcement is truly impressive. I am glad you're amenable to sharing your vast knowledge with our readers as well as all the agencies and personnel you met on your epic trip. 

Your contributions to the betterment of American law enforcement are nothing short of monumental.

Thank you!

Editor, National Association of Chiefs of Police

Mr. Bove:

We want to thank you for attending our working group meeting last week in Lake Forest and addressing our law enforcement partners.  

Your words of encouragement and the importance of being open to encountering individuals provided a valuable perspective that can positively influence interactions between law enforcement and the community. 

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience and wisdom with our working group. Your dedication to the law enforcement profession is truly commendable.  

Respectfully,

Genoveva (Veva) Gomez

Analyst / TFA FBI LBRA-5

Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center

Orange County Sheriff’s Department