The National Center for Analysis of Violent Crime published a recent report on the traits of school shooters. Among the characteristics noted were low tolerance for frustration, poor coping skills, resentment over perceived injustices, a lack of empathy for others, access to weapons and turbulent family relationships. Bullying is found to be part of the school culture, as is a code of silence in which there is a failure to report concerns about the violence potential of the perpetrator. The U.S. Secret Service also published a recent report on school shooters, finding that the shooting is rarely impulsive, typically has a revenge motive and the intent is usually communicated beforehand. The circumstances surrounding those who shoot in schools are similar to the characteristics of workplace violence.
Safe organizations have policies against harassment, bullying or mistreatment of others.
They train their administrators, staff and teachers and students. Safe organizations of all types have policies in place that clearly prohibit threatening conduct and behavior. These safe organizations establish a culture of trust, where employees, students or parents feel secure in reporting concerns about potentially violent people. Safe organizations have violence intervention teams that investigate reports of potential violence and use creative methods to mitigate threats. Safe organizations are safe not by accident but by design.