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Violence leaves clues. Stop a plot. Speak up.

Detective in front of wall of clues.

Violence leaves clues. Stop a plot. Speak up.

Mass Attacks are Preventable.

53 percent of mass attacks leave a trail of clues leading up to them. 76 percent of attackers had concerning communications or elicited concern from others. For 59 percent of attackers, the first of these behaviors started over a year before the attack. Learn how to recognize the warning signs. And if you see something of concern, speak up. It’s confidential and safe. 

Report Suspicious Activity

Submit a Tip for School Safety

Anyone can report tips confidentially on criminal activities or potential harm directed at students, school employees, or schools.
Tips can be submitted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Submit a tip to OK2Say

 

 

The Pathway to Violence.

Grievance, violent ideation, research and planning the attack, pre-attack preparation, probing and breaches, attack.  

  1. Grievance: An individual may feel wronged due to a real or perceived experience. This feeling may stem from a sense of injustice, victimization, or embarrassment in a relationship, the workplace or life. 
  2. Violent Ideation: The decision to use violence as the answer. While many people have thoughts of violence at times, most will not move toward the pathway to violence. 
  3. Research and Planning the Attack: During this step, an individual may begin thinking about how they would carry out the violence they believe will solve their grievance. They may begin doing research on past attacks, weapons, potential targets, or locations for an attack.
  4. Pre-Attack Preparation: In this phase, the individual is psychologically ready to attack. They may begin preparations, such as collecting weapons, building explosives, target practicing, or purchasing special clothing or equipment.
  5. Probing and Breaches: This step is not always included in the pathway, but it is common to do a “dry run” of an attack. The individual may visit the intended target, look for security cameras, assess police presence, or call in a fake bomb threat or shooting. They may change their plans based on what they learn. 
  6. Attack: The final step on the pathway is carrying out the act of violence.

Note: A person can move up and down this pathway, and there are opportunities at any point to speak up and intercept them before an attack or loss of life.

Know the Risk Factors.

  • Prior Criminal Involvement

  • Domestic Violence

  • Mental Health

    Mental illness is not the cause of most mass attacks, but approximately 58 percent of attackers had mental health concerns. 

  • Substance Abuse

  • Radicalization

    Lone actor terrorism/extremist beliefs

  • Failed Joiner/Social Isolation

    Not feeling or being accepted in groups

  • Stressors:

    • Financial strain
    • Job-related concerns
    • Conflict with family/peers
    • Marital problems
    • Physical illness/pain
    • Sexual stress/frustration 
    • Civil problems
    • Death of relative/friend

  • Report Suspicious Activity

    Submit a tip for school safety.

Recognize the Warning Signs.

Any of these warning signs can be cause for concern.

  • Leakage:

    Concerning conversations or threats of violence shared on social media or in conversations with others. 

  • Pathway to Violent Behavior:

    Observation of escalating behavior on the pathway.

  • Identification with Previous Attackers:

    Respect or admiration for other attackers.

  • New Aggressive Behavior:

    An escalation of aggression at work, home or online. 

  • Energy Burst:

    Collecting more weapons, supplies or daily target practice.

  • End of Life Planning:

    Making sure financials are in order, getting rid of possessions, saying goodbye to friends and family.

If you have information that could prevent an act of violence, speak up. Tips can be reported online or by calling 1-855-MICHTIP.
You could stop a plot.

Make a Report

Anyone can report tips confidentially on criminal activities or potential harm directed at students, school employees, or schools.
Tips can be submitted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Submit a tip to OK2Say

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