STARS
The Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council's (NEMLEC) School Threat Assessment and Response System (STARS) unit was established in 1999 to enhance school safety across the region. This multidisciplinary team comprises educators, school-based mental health professionals, firefighters, emergency medical services personnel, and police officers, all collaborating to ensure secure learning environments. The STARS unit assists over 500 schools in developing comprehensive crisis management plans and responding effectively to potential threats.
The STARS program operates on the core principles of the Emergency Management Cycle: Prevention, Preparation, Response, and Recovery. By adhering to these tenets, the unit provides a structured approach to school safety, addressing various aspects from hazard identification to psychological recovery services. This holistic strategy ensures that schools are well-equipped to handle emergencies and maintain a safe environment for students and staff.
Key components of the NEMLEC STARS program include:
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Bringing together professionals from various fields to address school safety comprehensively.
- Comprehensive Crisis Planning: Assisting schools in developing detailed plans to manage potential emergencies effectively.
- Training and Exercises: Providing resources for creating and conducting training sessions and drills to prepare school personnel for various scenarios.
- Psychological Support: Offering psychological triage and recovery services to support the mental well-being of students and staff during and after crises.
Through these initiatives, the NEMLEC STARS unit plays a pivotal role in fostering safe and secure educational environments across northeastern Massachusetts.