Strengthening school safety is a country-wide priority, but there is little research into how to promote reporting of possible incidents by bystanders so that authorities can take the proper action.
As part of a larger effort with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Infrastructure Security Division’s School Safety Task Force and the U.S. Secret Service’s (USSS) National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC), the Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center (HSOAC) worked to move the needle to enhance safety protocols within kindergarten through 12th-grade (K-12) educational settings.
Research Insights and Impact
HSOAC's research incorporated literature reviews and interviews with K-12 stakeholders and uncovered prevalent threat reporting models across schools nationwide. Crucially, the study underscored the foundational role of trust between students and staff in fostering robust reporting cultures.
Key findings revealed actionable strategies vital for encouraging reporting and overcoming barriers hindering students' willingness to report threats, including an emphasis on accessible reporting methods, leveraging anonymous reporting channels, and implementing awareness and training initiatives. This collaborative effort among HSOAC, CISA, and NTAC demonstrates a shared commitment to fortifying safety measures in educational settings to ensure safer environments for students, educators, and the broader community.