MADISON, Wis. – Attorney General Josh Kaul today attended the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of School Safety (OSS) Behavioral and Threat Assessment Management (BTAM) training in Hudson, Wis. The BTAM trainings aim to equip school administrators, mental health professionals, security personnel, community partners, and law enforcement with an understanding of the importance of threat assessment in preventing violence in schools.
“We must be proactive in working to keep our schools safe,” said Attorney General Josh Kaul. “The Office of School Safety is providing Behavioral and Threat Assessment Management trainings around the state to assist schools with their efforts to stop violence before it happens.”
Acts of targeted violence continue to impact community safety and security. These acts are not impulsive or irrational; perpetrators often plan and prepare for these incidents, during which threats or concerning behaviors can be identified.
OSS’ training offers school-specific applications and best practice recommendations for BTAM teams. The training provides school teams with proactive alternatives to reactive and exclusionary disciplinary practices. The session focuses on familiarizing participants with the BTAM process, clarifying team member roles and responsibilities, increasing understanding of who poses a threat in a school setting, and developing effective intervention plans. Additionally, it assists community bystanders with tools on what to report and where to report it.
Today’s training is one of eleven being held statewide throughout the year to ensure broad access to BTAM trainings. Upcoming locations include Chippewa Falls, West Salem, Appleton, Oconomowoc, and Mauston. More information about the trainings can be found on the DOJ website.
In addition to the training sessions, OSS offers a free eLearning module titled “Foundations of Targeted Violence Prevention,” available to all community members. This course was created in partnership with OSS, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, and the Department of Homeland Security Office of Intelligence and Analysis National Threat Evaluation and Reporting office. The course aims to educate the public on identifying threatening or concerning behaviors and reporting them for potential intervention.