Report ranks Colorado in top 10 states of concern for school related violent threats

Colorado is listed as one of the top 10 states for school violence and threats according to a report by Educators School Safety Network.

The report looks at violent threats and incidents made during the 2017 school year. Colorado moved up from the previous year to a spot in the top 10 as a state of concern.

In the 2017-2018 school year threats in the Pikes Peak Region came to Sabin Middle School in District 11 and Woodland Park High School.

District 11 Security Operations Commander, Jim Hastings says rumors of threats also came to Sierra High School and Widefield High School.

“We deal with incidents that happen on a daily basis, I won’t say we have incidents of violence on a daily basis, it’s not really the norm, but we do see incidents,” said Hastings.

Hastings, surprised by the report and Colorado’s ranking said, “We here in Colorado do a really good job with school safety and school security, I think we’re always looking at ways to improve it.”

D11 has security measures like limiting school access points for visitors, school resource officers, and regular emergency drills.

Safe To Tell, a report that also helps districts in Colorado, collects and addresses issues and threats in schools.

The report points out more needs to be done to address threats of violence beyond active shooter training to include “all hazards crisis response training.” Some other recommendations include schools, train teachers on threat assessment, and vulnerabilities in schools.

“We’re looking at some integrated plans,” Hastings said. “It’s not just a security department issue. It’s district-wide, you know, working with teachers on things.”

Hastings adding school safety is always evolving to keep students and staff safe.

“We still believe schools are the safest place kids can be,” Hastings said.