This episode explores a case study from the 2020 "School Resource Officers: Averted School Violence Report,"by Jeff Allison, Mo Canady, and Frank Straub. The discussion highlights a foiled attack by an 18-year-old who had been surveilling a school, planning a bombing and mass shooting, and had amassed weapons and extremist materials. The case was resolved thanks to school staff noticing suspicious activity, law enforcement acting swiftly, and an online acquaintance reporting his threats. The episode underscores key lessons in school safety, including early intervention, the importance of strong relationships between schools and law enforcement, anonymous reporting systems, and social media monitoring. The hosts emphasize that proactive prevention, clear reporting mechanisms, and community awareness are crucial in preventing school violence.

https://www.avertedschoolviolence.org/

In this episode Alex & Ivy explore the Averted School Violence (ASV) Database, a project designed to analyze and learn from cases where planned school attacks were successfully prevented. Originating from post-Sandy Hook recommendations, the database was initially funded by the Department of Justice and managed by the National Policing Institute before transitioning to Safe and Sound Schools in 2023. Researchers, including Dr. Frank Straub and Steve McMahon, use the database to identify patterns in prevention strategies by examining key factors like intent, means, opportunity, and motive in averted incidents. Early findings show that most cases occurred in suburban high schools and involved single perpetrators. The database aims to expand by collecting more reports from the public, emphasizing anonymous and secure submissions to refine school safety practices.

Click the link below to learn more or assist with the project:

Averted School Violence – Lessons learned become lessons applied

In this episode, Alex and Ivy, explore the work of Safe and Sound Schools, an organization dedicated to improving school safety through research-based initiatives. The hosts provide an overview of the organization's key programs, including the Averted School Violence Project, which focuses on identifying and preventing potential threats, and Bright Futures, which builds community partnerships to support student needs. They also discuss Especially Safe, which ensures emergency planning is inclusive for all students, and Pathways for Prevention, a multi-tiered framework for violence prevention. Additional initiatives include post-crisis support for affected school communities, student-led safety advocacy, and parental engagement through resources and toolkits. The episode serves as a broad introduction to Safe and Sound Schools, inviting listeners to share which topics they’d like explored in greater depth.

https://safeandsoundschools.org/

In this episode Alex and Ivy discuss the critical work of Safe and Sound Schools, a nonprofit founded by Michelle Gay and Alyssa Parker, both mothers who lost their daughters in the Sandy Hook Elementary tragedy. Driven by personal loss, they created the organization to support school crisis prevention, response, and recovery, providing research-based resources to empower school communities. Safe and Sound Schools collaborates with experts in mental health, law enforcement, and education to develop tailored safety strategies without political affiliations. The organization does not fund schools directly but serves as a hub for knowledge, encouraging parents, educators, and local leaders to take proactive steps in school safety. Alex and Ivy close this episode by urging listeners to engage with their communities and explore available resources to foster safer learning environments.

https://safeandsoundschools.org/

In this episode Alex & Ivy discuss ReadyOp, a platform designed to enhance emergency response and community resilience by ensuring continuity of operations across various sectors, including utilities, hospitals, schools, and local governments. Beyond just responding to crises, ReadyOp proactively supports infrastructure stability, facilitates real-time communication, and enables personalized emergency alerts, empowering individuals to make informed decisions. Alex & Ivy highlight ReadyOp's role in fostering community engagement, allowing neighbors to assist one another and strengthening social bonds in times of crisis. While privacy concerns are addressed with robust protections, the overall consensus is that ReadyOp is a transformative tool for building a safer, more connected society.

https://www.readyop.com/

In this episode Alex & Ivy explore the versatility of ReadyOp, a platform designed for high-pressure emergencies and everyday operational efficiency. It highlights how the system aids hospitals in patient tracking, businesses in team management, and large-scale events in security coordination. With features like real-time updates, task assignments, asset tracking, and encrypted communication, ReadyOp streamlines processes while ensuring data security. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of proper training to maximize effectiveness and prevent errors. Additionally, ReadyOp adapts to evolving needs, supporting emergency response, daily operations, and event management, ultimately shaping the future of safety and preparedness.

https://www.readyop.com/

In the episode, Alex & Ivy explore ReadyOp. ReadyOp's core software is a secure web-based emergency preparedness and response platform designed to streamline communication and coordination in crises and daily operations. Developed by an Air Force fighter pilot, it prioritizes real-time information sharing, visual displays, and radio interoperability, allowing different agencies and individuals to communicate seamlessly across devices. Key features include live mapping of resources and responders, gunshot detection using acoustic sensors for rapid alerts, and real-time updates on road closures and evacuation routes. ReadyOp empowers first responders, agencies, and civilians alike, enhancing situational awareness and decision-making to improve safety and efficiency in emergencies.

https://www.readyop.com/

In this episode Alex & Ivy explore the PASS (Partner Alliance for Safer Schools) guidelines, emphasizing that school safety is about proactive planning rather than just reacting to threats. It highlights how different schools can implement PASS based on their resources, with a rural elementary school focusing on clear policies, trained staff, and good communication, while an urban high school adopts advanced security measures like controlled entry points, security personnel, and reinforced infrastructure. The discussion underscores the importance of ongoing assessments, regular training, and fostering a culture where safety is a shared responsibility among students, staff, and the community. PASS is presented as a flexible, evolving framework that schools can tailor to their unique needs, ensuring a continuously improving approach to safety. Alex & Ivy encourage listeners to explore PASS resources, engage with school leaders, and advocate for comprehensive safety measures.

https://passk12.org/

Alex & Ivy discuss the final layer of school security, focusing on the interior perimeter, including classrooms, hallways, libraries, and common areas. It emphasizes the importance of solid core classroom doors with interior locks, clear lockdown procedures, and regular drills to ensure preparedness. Beyond physical security, the discussion highlights the role of policies, people, and communication in creating a safe environment. The PASS (Partner Alliance for Safer Schools) guidelines provide a tiered approach to implementing security measures, allowing schools to enhance safety based on their specific needs and resources. The conversation also challenges the misconception that school security is only about reactive measures, instead advocating for a proactive, holistic approach that fosters a culture of preparedness and safety.

https://passk12.org/

In this episode Alex & Ivy discuss the PASS guidelines, which provide a comprehensive, research-backed approach to school safety. Unlike reactive measures, PASS emphasizes a proactive, layered security model tailored to each school’s unique needs. It avoids controversial recommendations like arming staff, instead focusing on practical strategies such as controlled access, clear signage, surveillance, and secure infrastructure. The five security layers include district-wide coordination, property perimeters, parking lot safety, building security, and interior protections like reinforced doors and emergency preparedness. The episode covers the first four layers, highlighting the importance of a well-structured, adaptable safety framework, with plans to discuss classroom-level security in the next installment.