U.S. Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Investigation
FBI Academy Library
Quantico, Virginia 22135

 

Subject Bibliography

 
SCHOOL VIOLENCE
 
 
11/2009
 
 

Band, S. R., & Harpold, J. A. (1999). School Violence and Lessons Learned. FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, 68(9), 9-16.
Abstract: Discusses the importance of law enforcement, local government, civic groups, corporate entities, and parents forming a partnership to combat violence. Suggests the signing of memorandums of understanding (MOUs) that clearly define what each agency, organization, or individual will do from the beginning of a crisis to the end. Also discusses the development of a critical incident response plan, as well as a plan beyond the incident itself to ensure the availability of counseling for their personnel, families, and others in the community. Specific school violence prevention measures are described that focus on the implementation of an anonymous reporting program, school resource officers, teacher and parent education, communication, and legislative and social reforms. An offender profile of suspects involved in six school shootings investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation is included.

Corcoran, M. H., & Cawood, J. S. (2009). Violence Assessment and Intervention: The Practitioner's Handbook. Boca Raton: CRC Press. Notes: Available full-text from Forensic Net.
Abstract: The chapter "Post-Secondary School Violence" analyses how the understanding, tactics, techniques and prevention of school violence differ on the college/university level than on the elementary and high school level. Examples of post-secondary school violence are given.

Crime, Violence, Discipline, and Safety in U.S. Public Schools: Findings From the School Survey on Crime and Safety: 2007–08 [Web Page]. URL http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2009/2009326.pdf.
Abstract: This report presents findings on crime and violence in U.S. public schools using data from the 2007–2008 School Survey on Crime and Safety Public. School principals were surveyed about the frequency of incidents, such as physical attacks, robberies, and thefts, in their schools.

Critical Incident Response Group. (1999). School and Juvenile Violence: A View of the Literature. Quantico, VA: Federal Bureau of Investigation. Call Number: J 1.14/2:S3X/99
Abstract: An annotated bibliography compiled by the FBI's National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime. The material presented comes from articles, studies, reports, bulletins, and television broadcast summaries. It is broken down into the following categories: 1) Overview: Causes and Indicators; 2) Remedies, Prevention, and Strategies; 3) Studies and Statistical Reports; 4) Types of Youth Violence; and 5) Specific Incidents: Articles and Summaries.

Critical Incident Response Group. (2000). The School Shooter: A Threat Assessment Perspective. Quantico, VA: Federal Bureau of Investigation. Call Number: J 1.14/2:S36
Abstract: Designed for use by educators, mental health professionals and law enforcement agencies, this report presents a model procedure for threat assessment and intervention. It aims to assist in identifying and evaluating a spoken, written, or symbolic threat, and assess the risk.

Dorn, M. S. (2004). Jane's Safe Schools Planning Guide For All Hazards. Coulsdon, Surrey: Jane's Information Group. Call Number: LB 3013.3 .J27 2004
Abstract: This book is designed as a reference guide on the how to plan for school violence and other school hazards. It contains strategies, planning outlines, guides and surveys that school systems can use. Topics are broken up into three main categories: prevention, preparedness and response.

Dorn, M. S., & Dorn, C. (2005). Innocent Targets: When Terrorism Comes to School. Macon, GA: Safe Havens International Inc. Call Number: LB 2866 .D67 2005
Abstract: Introduces details on school terrorism events in Russia, Holland, Turkey and Israel. Provides analysis on why schools and school buses are targeted and what preventative measures schools should take in regards to emergency planning.

Fast, J. (2008). Ceremonial Violence: A Psychological Explanation of School Shootings. Woodstock, NY: Overlook Press. Call Number: LB 3013.32 .F37 2008
Abstract: This book examines the social, economic and behavior traits that are common among perpetrators of school violence. 13 cases of school violence are examined with extensive coverage of Brenda Spencer, Wayne Lo, Evan Ramsey, Luke Woodham, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold.

Forest, J. J. F. (2006). Homeland Security: Protecting America's Targets. Westport, CT: Praeger Security International. Call Number: UA927 .H658 2006
Abstract: The 2nd volume of this set has three sections dedicated to the issue of protecting the wide range of schools in the US from elementary to college. The sections are "High Schools and Homeland Security", "Protecting America’s Colleges and Universities" and "School Safety in the Twenty-First Century: Adapting to New Security Challenges Post-9/11".

Gerler, E. R. ed. (2004). Handbook of School Violence. New York: Haworth Reference Press.
Call Number: LB 3013.32 .H36 2004
Abstract: This is the companion book to the Journal of School Violence. It is a compilation of 11 journal articles and studies on the topic of school violence. The subjects include gangs, weapons in schools, school interventions, support services following a school shooting peer mediation and student threat assessments. Each chapter has an extensive bibliography. The author has also compiled a list of 14 websites useful in studying online violence.

Giduck, J. (2005). Terror at Beslan: A Russian Tragedy With Lessons For America's Schools. Golden, CO: Archangel Group. Call Number: HV 6433 .R9 G53 2005
Abstract: The book is divided into 4 parts 1. A brief history of terrorism in Russia as well as background information on Chechen terrorists and Russian counter-terror units 2. History of the Beslan School Siege 3. Analysis of the Russian government response to the Beslan School Siege 4. How the United States can benefit from the lessons learned at Beslan. Color photos of the Beslan School Siege are included in the book.

Hanks, J. C. (2004). School Violence: From Discipline to Due Process. Chicago: Section of State and Local Government Law, American Bar Association. Call Number: KF 159 .S364 2004
Abstract: This book is a comprehensive review of major legal issues relating to school violence. Topics include student violence and harassment, weapons in schools, searching students in schools, zero tolerance policies, due process for students, threats and threatening communications at school, and school liability.

Hodgson, J. F. (2005). Public Policing in the 21st Century: Issues and Dilemmas in the U.S. and Canada. Monsey, NY: Criminal Justice Press. Call Number: HV 8152 .A2 P83 2005
Abstract: The chapter "School Shootings and School Terrorist Attacks: Identification, Intervention, and Tactical Response" discusses school shootings from a law enforcement perspective. The chapter identifies behavioral traits of school shooters that may be useful to law enforcement. The chapter also details tactics that law enforcement and/or first responders can use when found in a school shooting situation.

Indicators of School Crime and Safety: 2008 [Web Page]. URL http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2009/2009022.pdf.
Abstract: This report covers topics such as victimization, fights, bullying, classroom disorder, weapons, student perceptions of school safety, teacher injury, and availability and student use of drugs and alcohol. Indicators of crime and safety are compared across different population subgroups and over time. Data on crimes that occur away from school are offered as a point of comparison where available.

Langman, P. F. (2009). Why Kids Kill: Inside the Minds of School Shooters. New York: Palgrave Macmillan. Call Number: HQ 799.2 .V56 L365 2009
Abstract: Provides psychological profiles of recent school shooters and as well as 2 children identified as possible future school shooters. School shooters are analyzed in three groups: psychopathic shooters, psychotic shooters and traumatized shooters.

Martinez, S. (2009). A System Gone Berserk: How Are Zero-Tolerance Policies Really Affecting Schools? Preventing School Failure, 53(3), 153-158. Notes: Available full-text from Academic Search Complete.
Abstract: Discusses the problems (e.g. unintended consequences) with using zero-tolerance policies as the sole solution to school violence. The history of zero-tolerance policies, its effectiveness, and alternatives are presented within the article. Also includes extensive references on zero-tolerance policies.

Moore, M. H. (2003). Deadly Lessons: Understanding Lethal School Violence: Case Studies of School Violence Committee. Washington, DC: National Academy Press. Call Number: LB 3013.32 .D43 2003
Abstract: Provides a compilation of six extensive case studies on the school shootings in Rockdale County, Georgia, Edinboro, Pennsylvania, Paducah, Kentucky, Jonesboro, Arkansas, Chicago, Illinois and East New York, New York. Each study contains witness accounts and details the impact of the shooting on the surrounding community.

Mulvey, E. P., & Cauffman, E. (2001). The Inherent Limits of Predicting School Violence. American Psychologist, 56(10), 797-802.
Abstract: The article discusses the problems with schools adopting identification systems to determine which students could be future killers. They argue that the methods are unproven and often do more harm than good for both the children and the school setting. The authors discuss a more reasonable and scientifically defensible approach to improving the safety of schools.

Newman, K. S. (2005). Rampage : The Social Roots of School Shootings. New York: Basic Books.
Call Number: LB 3013.33 .K46 R36 2005
Abstract: Analyzes whether the community environment is a factor in school shootings. The communities of West Paducah, Kentucky and Jonesboro Arkansas are the focus of the studies in the book. The book contains interview with community residents, school officials, students and lawyers.

Phaneuf, S. W. (2009). Security in Schools: Its Effect On Students. El Paso, TX: LFB Scholarly Pub. LLC. Call Number: LB 2866 .P54 2009
Abstract: Analyzes whether increased school security reduces the factors that can contribute to school violence. The author argues that student fear is a factor in school violence and that increased school security is not reducing student fear.

Reddy, M., Borum, R., & Modzeleski, W. (2001). Evaluating Risk For Targeted Violence In Schools: Comparing Risk Assessment, Threat Assessment, And Other Approaches. Psychology in the Schools, 38(2), 157-172. Notes: Available full-text from Academic Search Complete.
Abstract: Reviews using the assessment tools of profiling, guided professional judgment, automated decision-making in judging the risk of school violence. The article also evaluates the Secret Service threat assessment as a tool of school violence prevention.

Shariff, S. (2008). Cyber-bullying: Issues and Solutions For The School, The Classroom and The Home. London; New York: Routledge. Call Number: LB3013.3 .S467 2008
Abstract: Provides an introduction to educators on cyber-bullying. Examines why steps used to prevent and end traditional bullying do not work well against cyber-bullying. The author explains the far-reaching effects of cyber-bullying and has included perspectives from other countries.

Sim, K., Moyers, B. D., Baker, P., Glasser, S., Sanders, J. O., & Sim, S. (2006). Beslan Siege of School no. 1. Princeton, N.J.: Films Media Group. Call Number: HV 6433 .R9 B47 2006
Abstract: An investigation into the terrorism at the Beslan school, where insurgents from Chechnya took children, parents, and teachers hostage. Includes firsthand testimony and unprecedented video shot by terrorists inside the school

Smith, P. K. (2003). Violence in Schools: The Response in Europe. London: RoutledgeFalmer.
Call Number: LB 3013.34 .E85 V56 2003
Abstract: Provides statistics and analysis of school violence in 17 European countries. Each chapter is dedicated to providing background on the school environment, school violence policies, school violence prevention methods for a single country. A sample of countries profiled includes Ireland, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Finland, and Denmark. Commentary is also provided on Australia, Israel and the United States.

Thomas, R. M. (2006). Violence in America's Schools: Understanding, Prevention, and Responses. Westport, CT: Praeger. Call Number: LB3013.32 .T46 2006
Abstract: The author provides a broad comprehensive overview of the types of school violence occurring in schools. Several overviews provide brief actual case examples. Trends in school violence (ex. decline or increase of different types of attacks) are also discussed in this book.

Thompson, S., & Kyle, K. (2005). Understanding Mass School Shootings: Links between Personhood and Power in the Competitive School Environment. Journal of Primary Prevention, 26( 5), 419-438.
Notes: Available full text from http://www.springerlink.com/content/3644pq888788v411/fulltext.pdf.
Abstract: Discusses how students who are subjected to a highly competitive school environment without a strong sense of self or a nurturing home environment may seek aggressive, and/or violent means to achieve recognition and a sense of significance.

United States Secret Service, & United States Department Of Education. (2008). Prior Knowledge Of Potential School-Based Violence: Information Students Learn May Prevent A Targeted Attack. Washington, DC. Notes: Available from http://ustreas.gov/usss/ntac/bystander_study.pdf.
Abstract: A 2008 follow-up of the 2002 report "The Final Report And Findings Of The Safe School Initiative: Implications For The Prevention Of School Attacks In The United States". It explores how students with prior knowledge of attacks made decisions about what steps, if any, to take after learning the information. The study found that the school’s culture and misjudgments about the likelihood and immediacy of the planned attack influenced whether the students came forward with the information.

Vecchi, G. M. (2009). Conflict & Crisis Communication: Workplace and School Violence, Stockholm Syndrome, and Abnormal Psychology. Annals of the American Psychotherapy Association, 12(3), 30-39. Notes: Available full-text from Academic Search Complete.
Abstract: The author is the current Unit Chief of the Behavioral Science Unit at the FBI. The article discusses communication strategies in dealing with the perpetrators of school and workplace violence. In addition, it explores the Stockholm Syndrome and psychopathology in relation to workplace and school violence.

Virginia Tech Review Panel. (2007). Mass Shooting At Virginia Tech, April 16 2007: report of the Virginia Tech Review Panel presented to Timothy M. Kaine, Governor, Commonwealth of Virginia. Richmond,VA: Virginia Tech Review Panel.
Notes: Available from http://www.vtreviewpanel.org/report/index.html.
Abstract: The independent Virginia Tech Review Panel evaluates the response of Virginia state officials, law enforcement and Virginia Tech university officials to the Virginia Tech shooting on April 16, 2007. There are 70 recommendations within the report directed to colleges, universities, mental health providers, law enforcement officials, emergency service providers, law makers, and other public officials in Virginia.

Vossekuil, B., United States Secret Service, & United States Department of Education. (2002). The Final Report And Findings Of The Safe School Initiative: Implications For The Prevention Of School Attacks In The United States. Washington, DC. Call Number: T 34.8:SCH 6/2
Abstract: Discusses the findings of an extensive examination of 37 incidents of targeted school shootings and school attacks that have occurred in the United States from 1974 through June 2000. Topics include Target and Victim Characteristics & Threat Assessments. Appendices list additional resources on school violence.

Warters, T. A., & Pace, G. R. (2005). Securing Our Children: A Comparative Analysis of American and Russian Preparedness Policies in Response to School Targeted Terrorism. Midwest Political Science Association Annual Meeting. Notes: Available from http://www.allacademic.com/meta/p_mla_apa_research_citation/0/8/6/7/9/p86797_index.html.
Abstract: This paper examines what role can the federal government play in school safety; what current policy measures appear effective and what needs improvement; and what lessons can be learned from attacks both here and abroad. The paper concludes with a comparison of Russia’s efforts during and post the Beslan school siege.