Prior to beginning work on this discussion, read Chapters 9 and 10 from the textbook. Additionally, read the US Department of Justice and US Department of Education report, Indicators of School Crime and Safety: 2019Links to an external site.. As you learn in the readings, media reports of school crime tend to create misconceptions of a danger that is actually quite small for the overwhelming majority of school users. In fact, given the number of students, teachers, and other personnel in schools on any given day, it is quite astounding how few violent episodes there are. After reading the report, please address each of the following:
What statistic in the report surprised you about school crime and safety? Please refer to a specific statistic found on the site and cite it properly. Tell us why this statistic surprised you, confirmed your belief, etc.
In 81% of violent, targeted school attacks, at least one person knew someone was conceiving of or planning an attack. In most cases, no one came forward with this information. Why might someone hesitate to come forward?
What are some significant differences between school shootings and mass shootings in the general population (for example, the Colorado movie theatre shooting or the Orlando nightclub shooting)?
Discuss the challenges inherent in preventing mass shootings in schools, the workplace, and the general public. Are there any proven strategies to help control this type of violence?
What ideological differences might interfere with making meaningful criminal justice reform to prevent mass shootings?
What are some other barriers to criminal justice reform
Full Answer Section
Why someone might hesitate to come forward
There are a number of reasons why someone might hesitate to come forward with information about a planned school shooting. Some people might be afraid of retaliation from the shooter or their friends. Others might not believe that anyone will take them seriously. Still others might not realize that the information they have is important.
It is important to create a culture where people feel safe coming forward with information about potential school shootings. This can be done by educating students and staff about the signs of a potential school shooter and by creating a system for reporting suspicious activity.
Differences between school shootings and mass shootings in the general population
There are a number of significant differences between school shootings and mass shootings in the general population. School shootings are typically more targeted and less planned than mass shootings in the general population. School shooters are also more likely to use firearms that are easily accessible, such as handguns.
Mass shootings in the general population are more likely to be planned and to involve multiple victims. Mass shooters are also more likely to use assault weapons and other high-powered firearms.
Challenges inherent in preventing mass shootings
There are a number of challenges inherent in preventing mass shootings in schools, the workplace, and the general public. One challenge is that mass shootings are relatively rare events. This makes it difficult to study the causes of mass shootings and to develop effective prevention strategies.
Another challenge is that mass shooters are often motivated by a complex set of factors, including mental illness, social isolation, and exposure to violence. It is difficult to predict which individuals are at risk of committing a mass shooting, and it is even more difficult to prevent them from doing so.
Proven strategies to help control mass shootings
There are a number of proven strategies that can help to control mass shootings. One strategy is to reduce access to firearms. This can be done through universal background checks, bans on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, and red flag laws.
Another strategy is to improve mental health care. This includes increasing access to mental health services and reducing the stigma associated with mental illness.
Finally, it is important to promote gun safety and to teach people how to identify and report suspicious activity.
Ideological differences that might interfere with making meaningful criminal justice reform
There are a number of ideological differences that might interfere with making meaningful criminal justice reform to prevent mass shootings. Some people believe that the Second Amendment guarantees the right to own firearms and that any gun control laws are unconstitutional. Others believe that mental illness is the primary cause of mass shootings and that gun control laws will not be effective in preventing them.
It is important to have a respectful and open dialogue about these issues in order to find common ground and to develop effective solutions.
Other barriers to criminal justice reform
In addition to ideological differences, there are a number of other barriers to criminal justice reform. One barrier is the cost of implementing reforms. Another barrier is the resistance of powerful interest groups, such as the gun lobby.
It is important to build public support for criminal justice reform and to work to overcome the resistance of powerful interest groups.
Conclusion
Mass shootings are a complex problem with no easy solutions. However, there are a number of steps that we can take to reduce the risk of mass shootings. These steps include reducing access to firearms, improving mental health care, and promoting gun safety. We also need to have a respectful and open dialogue about the issues that divide us in order to find common ground and to develop effective solutions.
Sample Answer
Statistic in the report that surprised me
One statistic in the report that surprised me was:
In 81% of violent, targeted school attacks, at least one person knew someone was conceiving of or planning an attack. In most cases, no one came forward with this information.
(Indicators of School Crime and Safety: 2019, p. 7)
This statistic surprised me because it suggests that there may be many opportunities to prevent school shootings before they happen. If at least one person knows that someone is planning an attack, then there is a chance that someone could intervene and stop the attack from happening. However, in most cases, people do not come forward with this information.