Red Flags, Warnings Signs and Indications

Excerpts from: Appendix M: Red Flags, Warnings Signs and Indications, Roger Depue, PhD. In: VA Tech, “Mass Shooting at Virginia Tech April 16, 2007: Report of the Virginia Tech Review Panel,” http://www.governor.gov/TempContent/tehPanelReport.cfm.

Predicting violence is not an exact science. In fact, there are many who would argue that there is no 100% reliable way of predicting any future behavior, especially one as complex as a violent act. However, there are some red flags, warning signs and indicators of potential violence that have been identified. A single warning sign by itself usually does not warrant immediate response. However, the presence of several warning signs may indicate an increased level of risk. An increased level of risk may then warrant more immediate action.

The following are some warning signs, red flags and indicators that have been associated with school shootings in the United States: 1. Violent fantasy content, including violent writings or drawings. Violent fantasy content may also include a person’s preference for books, TV shows, movies, websites and music with violent themes and degrading subject matter. 2. Anger problems, including a person having difficulty controlling his/her temper, acting impulsively, and making threats. 3. Fascination with weapons, especially those designed and most often used to kill people such as machine guns, semiautomatic pistols, bayonets, special ammunition and explosives. 4. Boasting and practicing of fighting and combat proficiency, including military sharpshooter training, martial arts or knife fighting. 5. Loners, who are people who are isolated and socially withdrawn. They may appear to be “misfits”, preferring their own company to the company of others. 6. Suicidal ideation, depression, and expressions of hopelessness. A related warning sign is someone who has demonstrated behaviors that may indicate a preparation for a suicide attempt (collecting pills to overdose on; practicing tying knots in ropes). 7. Homicidal ideation, expressing contempt for others, and making comments indicating violent aggression. 8. Stalking, following, or harassing others regardless of the victims’ expressed annoyance and demands to stop. 9. Non-compliance with disciplinary sanctions or a refusal to abide by written and/or verbal rules. 10. Imitation of other murderers, including assuming the appearance, dress or possessions like those of violent shooters in the past. 11. Interest in previous shooting situations. This may be evidenced by a person’s being inordinately drawn towards media reports, books, entertainment and conversations dealing with past murders. 12. Victim/martyr self-concept. This involves the fantasy that someday, the person will represent the oppressed or victimized, and will wreak havoc and revenge on the oppressors. 13. Strangeness and aberrant behavior, including actions and words that cause others around this person to become fearful, suspicious and/or uncomfortable. 14. Paranoia, or a belief that someone is being singled out and unfairly treated. 15. Violence and cruelty, including a history of using violence to solve problems, and/or abusing animals. 16. Inappropriate affect, which may be demonstrated by a person’s enjoying cruel behavior and/or being able to view cruelty without being disturbed. 17. Acting out, which includes expressing excessive anger or humor, especially when the situation does not warrant it. Acting out may also include expressing anger towards a “scapegoat,” someone whose behavior is not the original source of the anger. 18. Police contact, including a history of contact with law enforcement for stalking or disorderly conduct; past restraining orders; or a jail/prison record for aggressive crimes. 19. Mental health history related to dangerousness, including referrals or commitments to mental health facilities for aggressive or destructive behavior. This information is RARELY available to the general public. 20. Expressionless face which may indicate an inability to express and/or experience joy or pleasure. 21. Unusual interest in police or military activities. This may involve interest in, or ownership of, surveillance equipment, handcuffs, camouflage clothing, ski masks, etc. 22. Use of drugs and/or alcohol. It is not at all unusual for college students to experiment with drugs and/or alcohol. This, in and of itself, is not an indicator of violence. However, drugs and alcohol may be used to reduce inhibitions so that aggressive behaviors are more easily expressed.

If a student, staff or faculty member presents a cluster of the above indicators, the potential for risk becomes more serious. The person observing these behaviors is then urged to contact a member of the Crisis Intervention Resource Team and/or District Police.