The article draws a distinction between making a threat and posing a threat. Students who are making threats tell people of their intentions to harm another. Those who pose a threat engage in behaviors that indicate they are planning or preparing for an attack, and are more cause for concern. The article recommends that each school have a violence prevention plan that includes descriptions of architectural considerations affecting physical security. Further, each school should have people trained to ask the right questions. These people should be well versed in mental health issues, violence and suicide risks, and should be part of a school safety team that also includes a law enforcement officer. Investigation of a potentially violent student should include attention to friends' or peers' influence on intent, planning, and preparation. In addition, the potential offender should be made aware of the penalty for carrying out the threat and that he or she will be held accountable. The article recommends more police training on developmental and mental health characteristics so the officers will be better able to deal with student threats and to evaluate their seriousness.