Examining firearm violence prevention tactics and policies in K-12 schools
Nationwide Study of Firearm Violence Prevention Tactics and Policies in K-12 Schools
This study looks at different safety measures in K-12 schools to see if they can help reduce gun violence and improve student behavior.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 650 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Columbia University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT05552716 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to investigate the effectiveness of various safety tactics and policies implemented in K-12 public schools across the U.S. It will analyze data from over 650 schools to determine the relationship between these safety measures and the occurrence of intentional shootings, as well as suspension and expulsion rates. The study will utilize a case-control design, comparing schools that have experienced shootings with those that have not, using data from multiple databases to ensure comprehensive analysis.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study include K-12 public schools in the U.S. that have experienced intentional shootings or are matched control schools.
Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit from this study include private schools or schools that have not implemented any safety tactics or policies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide evidence-based recommendations for effective firearm violence prevention strategies in schools, enhancing student safety.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on school safety measures, this research aims to fill significant gaps in evidence regarding their effectiveness, making it a novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
For a case school to be included, it must satisfy the following criteria: Inclusion Criteria- 1. The incident must have taken place on the school property. 2. The gun must have been shot during school hours. Exclusion Criteria: 1. The shot was accidental. 2. If it was a suicide/attempted suicide and there was no attempt to shoot another person. (Murder-suicides will be included.) 3. The shot was fired on the school bus on its way to or from the school or another school-sanctioned event. 4. The school was not in session for any reason. 5. The school event was taking place at a location where school security measures were ineffective. 6. The shot originated from outside the school and no person or property was hit in the school. Inclusion criteria for control school: Matches the case school on the following criteria- geographic state, urban/non-urban, and elementary/middle/high school status.
Where this trial is running
New York, New York
- Columbia Mailman School of Public Health — New York, New York, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Charles Branas, PhD — Mailman School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Charles Branas, PhD
- Email: ccb2166@cumc.columbia.edu
- Phone: 212 305 8755
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.