Colorado Parks & Wildlife Research Library

This guide provides information on the best practices and evidence-based programs for promoting safety and preventing violence in school settings. The guide is breaking new ground by using lessons learned to identify and promote best practices for school safety. The guide prioritizes the programs and practices shown to be most effective based on research, making it both distinct from and a compliment to other school safety resources in Colorado

To understand how similar school shootings might be prevented, The Denver Foundation, approached the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence (CSPV) to assist with the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data obtained through an investigative arbitration agreement. The purpose was to understand the school's risk and threat assessment procedures and responses, the school's approach to safety and climate, and the lessons that may be learned...

"Jenna's parents had finally given in, and there she was, at a New York club with her best friends, watching the legendary band Avenue A, carrying her demo in hopes of slipping it to the guitarist, Jake Kincade. Then, from the stage, Jake catches her eye, and smiles. It's the best night of her life. It's the last night of her life. Minutes later, Jake's in the alley getting some fresh air, and the girl from the dance floor comes stumbling out, sick...

The goal of Safe2Tell is to intervene at the earliest possible point in the life a young person who is struggling, helping them when they need it before the situation turns into a tragedy. Safe2Tell serves as the statewide bystander reporting tool for concerns in Colorado. The Safe2Tell solution was developed specifically to encourage those with information about a possible event to report it.

Safe2Tell was founded on the idea that prevention and early intervention is the key to preventing violence and saving lives. The model safety and prevention initiative, Safe2Tell, was developed on the principals of educating young people and school staff on critical issues, encouraging them to be part of the solution of prevention, equipping them with a tangible direct way to report anonymously and empowering them to make a difference.

Preventing violence starts with solid systems at both the school and district level. The Manual begins by identifying the systems and policies required by state and federal law to help keep schools safe. Preventative systems range from adopting solid student conduct policies to having a designated threat assessment team.