I will never forget October 13, 2022. The start of my second year as Superintendent of Schools in the Monrovia Unified School District in Southern California was going along well and I was away at a conference in the Bay Area. While I was waiting for the general session to begin, I remember noticing a headline in the local news that read, “False calls about active shooters plague multiple Bay Area schools,” but did not think too much of it. Little did I know, the high school in my district was next.
When I received the call from one of my directors letting me know that our school resource officer ran out of her office to respond to an active shooter call at our high school, I cannot describe the shock, horror, and disbelief that I felt in that moment. A call like that is the worst nightmare of any educator, but for superintendents, “nightmare” is an understatement. Our responsibility for the lives and safety of every student in our care and staff member we lead is of paramount importance. Nothing else matters if they are in jeopardy.
Thank God, it was all a hoax. The massive law enforcement response, complete with officers in tactical gear and drawn weapons, hours of lockdown that not only affected the high school but a nearby elementary school out of caution as well, and fright and panic felt by students, staff, parents, and community members was all for nothing. At first, I felt relieved, but then I felt angry that our community had to go through this.
Our school was just one more in a long and growing line of them that experienced a “swatting” event. Swatting is the dangerous phenomenon where someone makes a fraudulent phone call to 911 reporting serious incidents involving threats or violent situations like active shooters, bomb threats, or hostage-taking. Sadly, this is becoming more frequent, and targets are not just limited to schools, individuals can be swatted as well. Even the White House has been a target.
With experts cautioning that swatting incidents are likely to remain a challenge for schools and districts, it is imperative to proactively prepare. From my own experience, I have identified three critical areas where school and district leaders should concentrate their efforts: enhancing lockdown preparedness, refining crisis communication protocols, and effectively managing the aftermath. Focusing on these areas ensures a comprehensive approach to managing swatting incidents and enhancing school safety, from initial response to long-term recovery and resilience.
Start preparing now.
A swatting incident is likely to trigger a lockdown response until law enforcement can verify it is indeed a false alarm. In preparing for a lockdown, it is crucial to regularly review and update your plans in collaboration with law enforcement. Ensure that both staff and students are well-versed in the necessary procedures for an active shooter or similar threats. This includes understanding how to swiftly implement a lockdown during various times of the school day, whether students are in class or in between. Regular drills should be conducted to practice these protocols, ensuring that everyone knows how to react whether they are in classrooms or other areas of the school.
Additionally, it is important to consider the specific needs of all individuals in the school. This involves making accommodations for students and staff with special needs during a lockdown and ensuring that each classroom and space can be securely locked and is equipped with the necessary supplies for an extended period of lockdown. Effective accounting for every student, staff member, and visitor during these situations is essential. Finally, there should be a well-defined and practiced plan for safely reuniting students with their parents or guardians after a lockdown, with clear communication to parents about this plan.
Your crisis communication protocols are critical.
Effective communication is a cornerstone in managing any emergency, including a swatting incident. It begins by identifying who will lead the communication efforts. This person, possibly a designated spokesperson, should be prepared to oversee communication with the media and coordinate with key points of contact at the school, district, law enforcement, and city levels. During a lockdown, clear and consistent communication with the school's staff is essential. It is vital to have established channels for internal communication among staff to maintain consistency and clarity.
Ensuring that law enforcement has access to school or district communication devices, like radios, can be crucial for real-time coordination. Preparedness also means having messaging templates ready that can be quickly edited and deployed. These messages should be disseminated through various channels, including school websites and social media, and should provide parents, staff, and the community with accurate information about the situation. If your community serves families that speak a language other than English, be prepared to translate these messages into multiple languages.
Furthermore, identifying key parent and community leaders who can assist in disseminating accurate information can be invaluable in maintaining calm and preventing the spread of misinformation. By having these communication strategies in place, schools can effectively manage the narrative during crisis situations, providing timely and accurate information to all stakeholders involved.
After law enforcement leaves your school, there is still more to do.
The aftermath of a swatting incident requires thoughtful management and sustained communication. Once the immediate crisis is over, it is essential to continue providing updates and information to the school community. This includes not only addressing the immediate concerns but also focusing on long-term communication about the incident and its impacts. A key part of this process involves assessing and addressing the emotional and psychological effects on students, staff, and parents. Implementing measures to support those who experienced trauma or heightened anxiety is crucial for the community's healing process.
Debriefing sessions with school and district staff, law enforcement, city officials, and community members play a vital role in evaluating the response and improving future protocols. Involving students in these debriefs can provide valuable insights and foster a sense of agency and resilience. These sessions are also an opportunity to identify any necessary updates to emergency plans based on the learnings from the incident.
Moreover, reviewing and potentially revising school or district safety policies is an important step in enhancing preparedness for future incidents. This continuous process of reflection and improvement helps ensure that the response to any such crisis is more effective and efficient, ultimately contributing to a safer and more resilient educational environment.
Preparation for a swatting incident is preparation for the real thing, if done right.
Unfortunately, the new normal for school and district leaders includes being prepared to effectively prepare for and manage swatting incidents. While that might be frustrating, the upside is that your proactive preparation will make your school and district safer, and you will be as ready as possible in the event the threat turns out to be real.
By focusing on comprehensive lockdown preparations, establishing clear and efficient communication channels, and thoughtfully addressing the aftermath, educators can significantly mitigate the impact of these distressing events. It is imperative to continuously review and update emergency protocols, engage in regular training with staff and emergency services, and stay informed about the latest safety technologies and practices. By doing so, we not only safeguard the physical well-being of our students and staff but also foster a sense of security and resilience within our educational communities. Remember, preparedness today can prevent a crisis tomorrow, and a united and informed approach is our best defense against these unwarranted threats.
Dr. Ryan Smith, with 20 years of leadership experience in public education, is dedicated to ensuring every student receives an outstanding education and reaches their highest potential. Through his service as Superintendent of the Monrovia Unified School District and in other key leadership roles, his commitment to putting students first has driven success and positive change across various schools and districts. Learn more about Dr. Smith at his website, on LinkedIn, or X.