Citation

McDaniel MC, Ellis CM. J. Appl. Secur. Res. 2009; 4(1): 21.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/19361610802210178

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Although school violence has been a topic of substantial research and analysis, the potential of a mass hostage crisis in a school setting is still a relatively rarefied topic in the literature. Recent incidents such as the Virginia Tech shooting have been perpetrated by single shooters. Well-trained, multiple shooters present a range of substantially different problems for responders, which require serious consideration in all emergency planning. This article uses the 2004 school attack in Beslan, which resulted in over 300 deaths, as a case study for emergency responders at all levels. The article provides policy recommendations specific to schools, first responders, and city emergency management planners.

Keywords: School violence; school safety; Beslan; mass hostage taking