Sudbury educators learn what to do if someone is planning a violent act

Educators across Sudbury received training on Thursday they'll hopefully never have to use, as they were taught how to look for signs that could stop a mass shooting before it happens.

The workshop was held at Laurentian University by the Canadian Centre for Threat Assessment and Trauma Response.

The head of the centre who did the training said educators spend a lot of time with students and can spot potential trouble early if they know what to look for.

"Most people, before engaging in a major act of violence give unbelievable pre-incident signs and indicators," Kevin Cameron said.

"They talk. They write down. This generation — they post stuff on the net."

Cameron said when someone notices another person may be moving towards committing a violent act, they may not know exactly what to do for fear they're overreacting.

"The biggest problem we deal with is actually under reaction to often blatant indicators," he explained.

He said when someone spots a problem, if they do confront the person they'll often seem fine and not a threat and do nothing further.

"Anybody can be escalating on a pathway to serious violence and seem fine in an interview," he said.

"What I'm training … professionals to do isn't just to rely on the interview but to check and see if there's evidence of planning of escalation."

Cameron said probing further can allow professionals to decide who to inform next for assistance.