Critical incident stress management in a school setting following police shooting of an adolescent.

Cincinnati Public Schools Critical Incident Stress Management Team responded when a teenager who was in possession of a pellet gun was killed by police. The themes that emerged had more to do with rage than typical bereavement or trauma responses. The primary objective was the prevention of school and community violence. Strategic planning was critical in preventing violence and responding to the changing needs of students, staff and families during the weeks following this tragedy. Team members had to consider cultural differences related to interpretation of events, grieving rituals, and expectations for appropriate behavior when planning and providing interventions.