Subcategories:
Gun, knife, club, other

• Used in a threatening manner
• Used to cause bodily harm
• Concealed

Prevention Strategies

1. Communicate to students the school's position that the possession and/or carrying of any type of weapon on school property or at any school-sponsored event will be treated as a serious offense. Any person found in violation of this district/school policy will be subjected to one or all of the following response actions:
   • Contacting parent/guardian
   • Suspension
   • Arrest (contacting law enforcement agencies)
   • Expulsion
   • Detention
   • Contacting juvenile authorities
2. Establish a routine with bus drivers and custodians to communicate their knowledge of whether weapons have been brought to school. These people will probably know before anyone else. Special attention needs to be given to trash bins, wooded areas near parking lots, restrooms, and any other hiding place students have discovered in the school.
3. Keep lines of communication open to students. If a weapon has been brought to school, they will talk about it. It is important to have access to students who will be willing to share this information with the staff.

Response Procedures/Investigative Techniques

1. Convene the school crisis team to assess the situation and implement the appropriate plan of action.
2. Assign staff to locations during passing periods/lunch periods, which will provide high visibility of authority figures to create the impression that adults are everywhere.
3. Start talking. Interview everyone who might have information about the weapon. The primary concern is to get possession of the weapon, not to prosecute someone for possession of a weapon. Therefore, if it is necessary to make some "deals" to gain knowledge, do so.
4. If it becomes necessary to search lockers or personal storage spaces, do it. Be reasonable in the manner in which the search is conducted. (NOTE: Refer to Board policy 5.3.4.0.0 and administrative guideline 5.3.4.0.OA for search procedures.)
   
5. If information leads to one suspect and the subject is now being questioned, don't hesitate to do a "pat down" search of the individual with another adult present, preferably the school attendance and security officer. This type of search involves the external feeling of clothing and the inspection of purses or other hand-held carried objects. Persons should be trained to conduct the search in such a manner that it is visible to both the suspect and witnesses. (Refer to Board policy 5.3.4.0.0 and administrative guideline 5.3.4.0.OA)
6. Do not, under any circumstances, conduct a search that requires the removal of clothing other than outer wear such as coats, hats (caps), gloves, etc.. If it is believed that the suspect has a weapon hidden on his/her body, call the parents/civil authorities.
7. If a student or adult displays or threatens immediate use of a weapon, call 911 immediately, and call school security personnel. Do not attempt to physically disarm the person. Secure the area as much as possible. Try to maintain a calm situation and calm demeanor. Avoid panic. Make use of the school intercom system to get a non-threatening message to staff to secure their areas. A special coded message known to staff might be used.
8. In event of injury to any individual, call 911 immediately. First aid measures should be employed as quickly as possible, if feasible.
9. Notify the Superintendent of Schools if the situation warrants it.

Other Considerations

1. Don't deny the presence of a weapon if one is in fact recovered in the school. Answer any inquiry honestly and include in the answer what actions were taken concerning the offense. You may refer inquiries from outside the school to the district director of public information, if you desire.
2. Don't keep recovered weapons in the school. Call the police and turn the item(s) over to them.
3. Try to establish why a weapon was brought to school. By establishing the possible motive for bringing the weapon(s) to school, a logical list of suspects will have been developed.

NOTE: The majority of weapons that are brought to school are not brought with the intent to use them. Most often weapons are brought to school for protection or for "show."