As a campus community one of our top priorities is the safety of our staff and students.

We want to work together to identify and prevent violent and personal tragedies from occurring. A campus team is available to accurately identify and appropriately address early warning signs, but everyone must help by reporting their concerns so that the team can provide assistance quickly.

What Should Be Shared?

Any concerning or distressing behaviors that you feel should be brought to the attention of the Southwest Tech Staff.

Who Can Make A Referral?

Anyone in the Southwest Tech community: Students, Faculty, Staff or Stakeholders

Where To Report

The Behavior Intervention Team coordinates a response to concerning and distressed behaviors about students with the intent to provide the appropriate assistance as needed. Team members will respond quickly to referrals; however, if an immediate response is needed, contact the police. The team is made up of staff members from Student Services, Facilities, and Public Safety.

Employee incidents are directed to human resources.

On and Off Campus Resources

The Behavior Intervention Team coordinates a response to reported student concerns. Team members respond quickly to referrals; however, if an immediate response is needed, contact the police. Employee concerns are directed to human resources.

What will the Behavioral Intervention Team do?

They are trained to:

  • Verify and document the information
  • Assess the information and intervene, if necessary
  • Evaluate the response to the intervention
  • Follow-up to keep everyone informed

HOW TO HELP SOMEONE IN CRISIS

Warning Signs

Chronic depression or mood swings, perception of injustice, isolating behavior, hostility, low self-esteem, excuses, blaming, strained relationships, reduced motivation, changes in health or hygiene, substance abuse, and frequent reference to violence.

Violence as a Process

People don’t just “snap;” violence is an understandable and often recognizable process. As people move along the violence continuum, behaviors may indicate the need for assessment and intervention. Pre-violence is the time for intervention. Don’t wait. It is hard to tell when violence will occur; the behavior maybe days or minutes before violent incident.

Indicators of Violence Potential (Not a Profile)

  • Poor impulse control
  • Feels consistently wronged
  • Obsession
  • New kind of energy or tone
  • Failure to recognize the feelings or rights of others
  • Fascination with weapons and/or guns
  • Verbal intimidation
  • Talking or writing about committing acts of violence
  • Vandalism or property damage
  • Repeated loss of temper
  • Physical disruption or fighting, stalking

What can you do if you observe signs of a person in crisis?

Don’t ignore it. Remain calm. Actively listen and communicate understanding. Be respectful and patient. Set clear boundaries. Never make promises. Inform them of counseling available in Student Services, Report it!

If the Worst Happens: Survival strategies in the event of an active threat

  • Get out (RUN), Exit any way possible - leave the building
  • (HIDE) - find a place not visible to the shooter
  • Call 911 once it is safe
  • If there’s no way out, (FIGHT!)- throw anything available at them. Their natural reaction will be to dodge the object, which will provide an opportunity to run.