Critical incidents in Wisconsin schools; officials talk support, services

KENOSHA, Wis. - Attorney General Josh Kaul and Wisconsin Department of Justice Office of School Safety (OSS) Executive Director Trish Kilpin discussed on Tuesday, Feb. 25 the statewide supports and services provided by OSS to assist with critical incidents in schools.

What we know:

When schools are impacted by traumatic events, such as the sudden death of a student, or a bomb threat, school leaders are often looked to for answers about how to respond efficiently and effectively. 

OSS provides guidance and support to schools faced with these challenges.

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Kenosha incidents

The backstory:

Kenosha Unified School District Superintendent Jeffrey Weiss said the school district is prepared to respond to critical incidents like a threat, bullying or mental health crisis. He said that's because of the state's  department of justice  office of school safety.

"We actually were able to put some of that training into action unfortunately," he said. "Having an office out of Madison at the school the next morning to meet with staff was huge."

The praise comes after the district had two gun scares back to back. 

In November, prosecutors say a teen brought an airsoft gun – which looked like a real firearm – to Roosevelt Elementary. That 13-year-old was arrested after an hours-long search in the community.

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Then in December, a school resource officer was notified about a social media post of a student with a gun at Indian Trail High School. Police found a small 5-inch gun hidden in his groin area and arrested the 16-year-old student.

Speak Up, Speak Out

What you can do:

Weiss said the district relies on the office's school threat reporting system known as the Speak Up, Speak Out Resource Center.

The OSS said the largest number of tips have something to do with bullying.

About the Office of School Safety (OSS)

What we know:

The Wisconsin Department of Justice Office of School Safety (OSS) plays an integral part in supporting Wisconsin schools during all phases of crisis response and recovery. When schools are impacted by traumatic events, such as the sudden death of a student, a bomb threat, a school shooting, staff misconduct, etc., school leaders are often looked to for the answers about how to respond efficiently and effectively. OSS provides guidance and support to schools faced with these challenges.