Assaults and Fights

  1. Assess the situation
    • Call 9-1-1 to request police assistance immediately when assailant is armed, if assailant is an outsider or if the situation warrants.
    • Determine if the threat is still pending, is the incident over?
    • Is there a continued danger to the individuals already involved or to any other potential victims?
    • Determine the identity, number and location of victims.
    • Determine the need for first aid and medical response.
    • Move others to safety.
    • If the assailant has not been contained and continues to be a threat to others, initiate Lockdown or Lockout procedures as appropriate, call 911.
  2. Intervening and managing physical altercations and/or fights require making a judgment call. There may be several goals at one time and individual circumstances will determine the priorities of your interventions. The primary goals should be Safety, Effective Communication, Mobilization, Containment, Assessment and Follow-up.
    Interventions may include:

    • Disperse the crowd or bystanders and ensure the safety of the students
    • Call for help and assistance in managing the incident
    • Focus on diffusing the fight
    • Separate the individuals fighting by telling one to go into a nearby room or other location.
    • Attend to medical needs.
    • Use common sense when intervening with individuals who are dangerous.
    • Convene Crisis Response Team.
  3. Provide first aid for victim(s) using medically trained staff. Call 9-1-1 for medical assistance if warranted. Direct someone to the main entrance to direct the ambulance staff to the victim.
  4. Interview participants and/or bystanders to gather information on the event. The police will need details/take statement(s) as Assault is a chargeable offense.
  5. The parents, guardian (or spouse/family member of employee) of any participants should be notified as soon as possible.
  6. The Superintendent’s Office should be contacted as soon as possible for events involving serious injury or criminal acts.  The Superintendent, or designee, will handle all media and community inquiries into the event(s).
  7. Convene Crisis Response Team as needed to inform staff/students and coordinate counseling services as the situation warrants.
  8. Crisis Response Team Members to promptly complete Accident Report to be submitted to Assistant Superintendent of Business Services.