Violent Threat Risk Assessment (VTRA)

This page provides information to help assess whether a threat is Imminent or Not Imminent and the protocol to follow accordingly.

A threat is an expression of intent to do harm or act out violently against self, someone else or something. Threats may be verbal, written, drawn, posted on the Internet or made by gesture. Threats are serious, and it is important to determine whether or not a threat poses imminent risk.

• Assess situation
  • Imminent Threat Threat 
    •   If weapon involved or serious/plausible threat within the building
  • Not an Imminent Threat
    • Outside the building building 
    • Threats, threat-related, or worrisome behaviour indicating potential harm to self or others (speech, action, assignments, etc) is serious but not imminent. Please discuss with your LG RA to help assess and determine next steps.
      
  •   Sample Threat Assessment Protocol (SD35) flowchart page 12

General information applicable to to  the above:    

1. Immediately contact your Administrator who will then follow-up as needed.  
   1. This would include suicidal behaviour or self harm, violent threat toward student, staff or school, sexual assault, pornography.
   2. Threats can take the form of written assignments, art, spoken words, text messages, photos, or online social media postings.
2. If a cell phone with a threat is confiscated, remove the SIM card, or immediately turn the phone to airplane mode.  
3. Turn the phone into an administrator. Do not take screenshots or forward photos which could be considered pornographic material.
4. Reminder to also complete an Incident Report and follow direction from LG Director.

Reminder for threat protocol and all lockdowns:

• Do not speak to the media
• Freeze all outgoing messaging; restrict all student cell phone use to keep communication lines open for all leaders involved.
• Put all cell phones to “silent mode”
• Await and follow further direction
• Director of LG and/ or Heads of School to review follow up email to parents prior to sending and determine next steps.
• Follow-up with incident report and action points as determined together with team involved

Imminent Threat Protocol

If immediate and/or imminent verbal threat and/or suspected danger to self or others:

1. Call 911
2. Adhere to the Lockdown procedures (Code Red) as outlined below
3. Call Academic Head of School (HoS) as soon as possible to alert them of the scenario
   • Sara Kraushar: 1-778-554-5515
   • Craig Kwiatkowski: 1-250-859-2202
4.   LG Director or LG RA as soon as possible  possible  
   •   LG Director Christine Loewen: 250-571-2594
   • LG Assistant Director Ryan McGuire: 250-467-9195
   • LG RA phone number:  
     • Andria Lengkeek: 604-780-5731
     • Lexi Bentley: 250-300-5349
     • Mitra Evans: 250-802-2353
5.   Ensure all physically present are safe and calm
6. Adhere to Police and HoS direction
7. Return to class or escort students to parent for pickup when indicated safe to do so
8. Complete an Incident Report and follow direction from LG Director.
9. Send draft general parent email communication to HoS and Director of LG for review/ approval
   • Upon approval, send general parent email communication communication 
10. Admin, with Heads of School, will together determine next steps, possibly including:  
    •   Initiation of Student at Risk Team
    •   Further investigation with other authoritative bodies if warranted
    •   Follow-up and debriefing if and when safe to resume classes
    •   Email specific communication to parents and students and re-entry considerations for all involved (this is in addition to general email communication above, if deemed necessary).

Stranger on the Premises

Teacher or Supervising Adult:

1. Do not compromise your own safety or the safety of students.
2. Assess the situation as you approach, keeping your distance.

If the stranger’s behaviour is NOT threatening:

1. Ask if they need assistance.
2. Direct the stranger to the appropriate supervisor, monitor or escort them accordingly.
3. Notify the Coordinator or Adult in Charge immediately; report the stranger’s location and description.

If the stranger’s behaviour appears THREATENING but has not escalated to violence:

1. Notify the Coordinator or Adult in Charge immediately
   1. Report the stranger’s location and description.
   2. Call 911 911 
2. Keep a safe distance.
3. Follow instructions from the appropriate supervisor.
4. Adhere to the Not an Imminent Threat Protocol.

If you see a violent/armed and dangerous stranger within the premises:

1. Initiate a Full Lockdown (Code Red) and adhere to the Imminent Threat Protocol.
2. Call 911 and proceed as indicated above

Not an Imminent Threat Protocol

If threat exists nearby, within the vicinity or community:

1. Contact your local police liaison for further information/ advisement, information located on CC, Coop and extended LC locations grid spreadsheet. Refer to the appropriate column for specific contact numbers for your location.
         a) School liaison Name _______________ Ph# _____________
         b) Local non-emergency as secondary Ph# ________________
2. Adhere to the Hold and Secure procedures outlined below or continue as directed.

During and following a threat, steps include:

1. Keep your teachers informed of the developments to help keep everyone calm.
2. During and/or Following, contact your LG RA and/or Director of Learning Groups to discuss and determine course of action.
3. At the end of the day, escort students to their respective parent/ guardian.
4. Submit an Incident Report
5. Together Admin, with Heads of School, will determine next steps, possibly including:  
   1. Initiation of Student at Risk Team
   2.   Further investigation with other authoritative bodies if warranted
   3.   Follow-up and debriefing if and when safe to resume classes
   4.   Follow-up communication/email to parents will be drafted in conjunction with LG RA and approved by HoS prior to distribution to families.

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