The key to preventing mass shootings lies in understanding what the perpetrators have in common: (1) early childhood trauma and exposure to violence at a young age; (2) an identifiable grievance or crisis point; (3) validation for their beliefs, having studied past shootings to find inspiration; and (4) the means to carry out an attack. This new … [Read more...]
We have studied every mass shooting since 1966. Here’s what we’ve learned about the shooters.
Evaluation of ‘the R-Model’ crisis intervention de-escalation training for law enforcement
This study presents findings from a process and outcome evaluation of a custom crisis intervention and de-escalation training for law enforcement, delivered in-house to a suburban Minnesota police department (the R-Model: Research, Respond, Refer). Individual officer survey data showed the R-Model significantly decreased stigma and increased … [Read more...]
Aggression Detectors: The Unproven, Invasive Surveillance Technology Schools Are Using to Monitor Students
"In response to mass shootings, some schools and hospitals are installing microphones equipped with algorithms. The devices purport to identify stress and anger before violence erupts. Our testing found them less than reliable." The Violence Project's Jillian Peterson commented on the practicality of these devices, saying, "I can’t imagine when … [Read more...]
School shootings: What administrators need to know
An analysis of 46 active shooters in schools revealed several common characteristics they tend to share. The majority of active shooters were current or former members of the school, were in crisis and suicidal before the shooting, acquired guns by borrowing or stealing them from friends or family, and the majority of shooters leaked their plans in … [Read more...]
The Health 202: Trump blamed mental illness for mass shootings. The reality is more complicated.
Mental illness is just one of many factors in why someone might open fire. But talking about the El Paso and Dayton tragedies in a nuanced way isn’t exactly one of President Trump’s strong suits. He largely blamed mental ailments for being the root cause of mass shootings, while backing away from an initial tweeted call for expanding background … [Read more...]