The Sconi

The Wisconsin Department of Justice Office of School Safety has released the second edition of its Comprehensive School Safety Framework. This document serves as a guide for school leaders across Wisconsin, providing model safety practices that can be adapted to local needs.

"School officials throughout Wisconsin work diligently to keep our kids safe at school," said AG Kaul. "The Comprehensive School Safety Framework supports that vital work by making information about school safety best practices readily available in one place."

The framework addresses the complexity of school safety, emphasizing that there is no universal solution. It outlines various strategies such as conducting needs assessments, creating and practicing School Safety Plans, and implementing the statewide tipline SPEAK UP, SPEAK OUT (SUSO). SUSO offers students and communities a confidential way to report concerns or potential threats.

Additionally, the framework encourages forming multidisciplinary behavioral threat assessment teams trained to intervene when necessary. It also promotes effective security practices, safe school climates, and proactive crisis response resources.

The Office of School Safety (OSS) provides essential programs for educational staff and student protection. In 2020, OSS launched SUSO as a 24/7 confidential reporting system accessible to all Wisconsin schools. More information is available at speakup.widoj.gov.

OSS offers free training on violence prevention and crisis management topics like Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM), Standard Response Protocol (SRP), and Standard Reunification Method (SRM). Regional trainings are also available upon request.

Twelve Critical Incident Response Teams (CIRTs) operate throughout the state, offering support during crises to K-12 public, private, charter, and tribal schools. These teams consist of volunteers from various disciplines including law enforcement and mental health professionals.

In 2024, Governor Tony Evers signed Assembly Bill 1050 into law to provide bridge funding for OSS initiatives through September 2025. This funding aims to secure stable financial support for OSS in the upcoming biennial budget while highlighting the need for long-term funding solutions.