March 13, 2025 – HOOVER, Ala. – The world’s leading expert in the field of human aggression and the roots of violence and violent crimes will discuss proactive ways to prevent mass shootings and other threats in schools during the National School Safety Conference in Grapevine, Texas in July.
Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. David Grossman will deliver one of several keynote speeches during the annual conference, which will be hosted by the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) July 6-11. Grossman is a former West Point psychology professor, professor of military science, and Army Ranger. He is also a Pulitzer Prize-nominated author. Two of his books are mandated reading for the FBI Academy and the US Marine Corps. Grossman’s presentation during the conference is titled, “Safegauding Our School Communities Against Dangerous Threats.”
A national expert on how criminal gangs – like Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua -- recruit youth will lead another general session during the National School Safety Conference. Robert Almonte is a former US marshal who did extensive undercover work in Mexico, during which he dove into the roots of drug cartels. His presentation, “Gang Recruiting Under Our Watchful Eyes and the Signs You Might Miss” will help attendees prevent gang recruitment of youth by connecting signs and information they previously noticed but might not have understood. Safe Haven Defense US is sponsoring the appearances by Almonte and Grossman.
A perennial favorite at the National School Safety Conference, Pepperdine University law professor Dr. Bernie James will present “School Safety Leadership in a BTA World.” James will host a Socratic discussion on the impact of behavioral threat assessment (BTA) reforms on the tasks associated with maintaining a safe learning environment. Among other related topics, James will address how strongly held but mistaken beliefs about school law unwittingly constrain BTA in ways that are harmful to students.
School superintendent, author and former school resource officer Dr. Steve Webb will discuss the importance of interpersonal connections in keeping children safe during his keynote presentation, “Connecting Is Protecting." Webb has served as superintendent of an Illinois school district since 2002. From 2009 to 2024, he also worked as a certified law enforcement officer. Webb’s book, “Education in a Violent World” describes effective ways to intervene before children become violent. During his keynote presentation Webb will discuss his “learner mindset” and how it can help identify and mitigate threats so children can learn without fear.
NASRO’s National School Safety Conference will also include dozens of valuable break-out sessions with titles including:
- “Holistic School Safety: Creating A Safe and Supportive K-12 Community.”
- “Shootings and K-12 Special Events.”
- “Trauma Informed Strategies for School Violence Prevention.”
- “Law Enforcement Investigation Checklist for School Threats.”
- “Sexting, Sextortion & AI: Updating Internet Safety for New Threats.”
- “Lessons Learned from the Averted School Violence Program.”
In 2024, 1,850 people attended the NASRO National School Safety Conference in Phoenix. More than 1,700 people have already registered for this year’s edition, putting it on track to be the largest conference in NASRO’s history. In addition to multiple presentations, the event will offer attendees an opportunity to complete on-site NASRO training courses at no additional charge; receive in-service training; visit an exhibit hall with the latest in products, technologies and innovations; and interact with SROs, school administrators, sheriffs and chiefs of police from throughout the country and world. Available training includes NASRO’s Basic SRO Course, ideal for law enforcement officers who are newly assigned to work in schools.
More information about the conference, including a complete agenda and online registration, is available at www.nasro.org/conference/. Complimentary credentials are available to working journalists covering the conference. NASRO requests that journalists who wish to attend inform the organization’s media contact (below) as soon as possible.
About NASRO
NASRO is a nonprofit organization for school-based law enforcement officers, school administrators and school security/safety professionals working as partners to protect students, school faculty and staff, and the schools they attend. NASRO’s national offices are in Hoover, Alabama. The organization was established in 1991. For more information, visit www.nasro.org.
Media Contact:
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