Francis, Richard
School Threat Assessment

One of the most important strategies schools can use for violence prevention is an internal threat assessment system that can intervene in the early stages of the pathway to violence. Considering the amount of time students spend in school, and the numerous opportunities available to school employees for personal interaction with students, an internal threat assessment team made up of school employees and other key stakeholders is a viable strategy to preventing targeted violent attacks at school. The successful prevention of an active threat frequently depends on the collective and collaborative engagement of varied community members: law enforcement officials, teachers, mental health care professionals, family members, threat assessment professionals, friends, social workers, school resource officers, and many others.

A shared awareness of the common observable behaviors demonstrated by the active shooters in this study may help to prompt inquiries and focus assessments at every level of contact and every stage of intervention. The primary purpose of a threat assessment is to prevent targeted violence. The threat assessment process is centered upon an analysis of the facts and evidence of behavior in a given situation. The appraisal of risk in a threat assessment focuses on actions, communications, and specific circumstances that might suggest that an individual intends to mount an attack and is engaged in planning or preparing for that event.

In a situation that becomes the focus of a threat assessment inquiry or investigation, appropriate authorities gather information, evaluate facts, and make a determination as to whether a given student poses a threat of violence to a target. If an inquiry indicates that there is a risk of violence in a specific situation, authorities conducting the threat assessment collaborate with others to develop and implement a plan to manage or reduce the threat posed by the student in that situation.

Richard Francis - Bio
Chief Rick Francis began his career in the United States Navy, serving as an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician and combat medic before continuing his service in the Army Reserves as a flight medic. Following his military service, he spent several years in corporate leadership, most recently as Vice President of Operations for a Fortune 100 financial services company. Despite his corporate success, Chief Francis felt called to return to public service. He joined the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office in November 2007. Today, Chief Francis leads the Department of School Safety and Security, overseeing the safety and protection of 70 public and charter schools serving approximately 65,000 students and 10,000 staff members. He directs nearly 300 dedicated professionals who support school safety efforts throughout Seminole County. Recognized as a national leader in school safety and security, Chief Francis developed Seminole County’s comprehensive school safety model, which has become a framework for districts across the state and nation. He has extensively studied prior school shooting incidents, helped avert potential threats, and applied critical lessons learned to strengthen prevention, preparedness, and response strategies. Drawing on his diverse background — military medicine, executive management, tactical operations, law enforcement, emergency management, education, and K–12 administration — he approaches school safety through a multi-disciplinary lens. He is deeply committed to protecting the community’s most vulnerable. Throughout his tenure with the Sheriff’s Office, Chief Francis served in patrol and major crimes investigations before being promoted to Patrol Sergeant and later assigned to the Domestic Security Unit. In April 2014, he was promoted to Lieutenant, serving as Watch Commander and later in Specialized Services. In July 2016, he was promoted to Captain of the School Safety Division, where he spearheaded the creation of the agency’s current school safety model. From February 2021 through August 2023, he led the Professional Development Division, overseeing Training and Career Development. He has also served as a SWAT team member and team leader, as well as a High-Risk Incident Commander. In addition to his operational leadership, Chief Francis serves as an adjunct professor of Criminal Justice at Seminole State College and teaches school safety and security nationwide for the National Tactical Officers Association. He is a trusted advisor to policymakers and public safety leaders, having served as a subject-matter expert to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Commission, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the Florida School Safety Specialist Program. He has presented before legislative bodies in Florida, Texas, and California, as well as state Boards of Education. Chief Francis is a graduate of the FBI National Academy (Class 284) and has completed numerous executive leadership programs, including West Point’s Authentic & Deliberate Leadership Program, the Law Enforcement Executive Development Association Command Leadership Institute, the Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute Chief Executive Seminar, the Police Executive Research Forum Senior Management Institute for Police, the Southern Police Institute Command Officer Development Course, and Leadership Seminole. He currently serves as Co-Chair of the National Sheriffs’ Association School Safety Committee, an Executive Board Member of NAMI Florida and the Coalition of School Safety Directors, and a member of the National Council of School Safety Directors. He has also served on numerous boards and task forces focused on school health, youth development, opioid prevention, domestic security, and statewide school safety initiatives. Chief Francis holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice with honors, a Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice Administration from the University of Virginia, and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Administration with honors. He is a member of the Delta Epsilon Tau Honor Society.