STAGES OF SHOOTERS

Shooters go through a five-stage process, said Kim Carter, the director of the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security, during an Oklahoma Commission on School Security meeting Tuesday.

The shooter thinks about what he would do. He might talk about it, draw pictures or make notes.

The shooter makes specific decisions, such as whom to kill and how to do it.

The shooter buys materials, such as guns and ammunition. He might make explosives or other devices necessary to carry out the plan.

“That’s when they’re actually coming with their guns slung over their shoulders or in their backpacks,” Carter said.

The shooter is carrying out his plan. Knowing and understanding the stages is important, Carter said. “Every one of those is a chance for us to detect and prevent,” he said. “If we know these stages and take them seriously ... this is our chance to actually be proactive and stop something.” rounding suicide also must be debunked, she said.

Also, the commission heard from Melissa White, executive director of counseling for the state Education Department.

She said the Oklahoma School Security Act of 2008 has strengthened bullying laws in the state.

School districts are required to have a bullying policy, she said.

Policies have to include such things as education, prevention and investigation procedures.

Districts have to offer services not only to victims, but to bullies, as well, she said.