What happens behind-the-scenes before community is notified of a potential school threat

Many parents expressed frustration following a surge in school threats. Some argue that school districts are not alerting families fast enough about what's happening inside their children's schools.

Bob Vecchio, executive director of the Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association, said notifying parents or guardians is usually low on the list when it comes to handling a potential threat.

“There’s not a specific timeline as to when districts should notify parents because a lot of things are happening behind the scenes,” Vecchio said.

Team 12 Investigates reviewed a dozen school safety plans of districts that were targets of false threats this school year.

Our investigation found this is what happens in a typical situation:

Once an incident has been reported and depending on its severity, the school building principal/administrator or designee will assume responsibility as the Incident commander.
Report it to the police department.
Secure the area where the disturbance has occurred.
Ensure the physical safety/medical management of students/staff remaining in the area as soon as possible.
Quickly assess the area of the incident to determine damage because of the incident and if it’s safe to remain. If necessary, evacuate or shelter as per the Building-Level Emergency Response Plan.
Provide incident debriefing to students/staff as needed.
Notify parents.

“As a parent, waiting an hour is not acceptable when you don't know what’s going on,” said Vecchio. “But on the other side, the school wants to make sure first, everybody is safe, the place is secure, the incident is under control and then let's communicate with our parents.”

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