"What if, instead of so much emphasis on shooter response, we put a lot more on shooter prevention?"

"Trigger Points" is well researched and covers a lot of ground to give a full picture of the potential of risk assessment and early intervention to prevent mass shootings. . After reading this book, I feel far better informed about mass shooting - the multi billion dollar industry created in response to previous mass shooters, mass shooter detection techniques, and how many acts of violence have been prevented through early intervention at both the school and community levels.

One thing I hadn't fully appreciated before reading "Trigger Points" is just how short sighter shooter response methods are, because of course at that point the shooting has already happened. But also, just expelling a student who is perceived as dangerous or firing a disgruntled employee doesn't solve the problem, but can in fact exacerbate it. Also, as someone who went to grade school and high school in the wake of Columbine, I really enjoyed the chapter about "safety theatrics". Do the drills, specialized door locks, and general "disaster preparedness" actually help? Spoiler, not really.

I do wish that the author had spent more time explaining the possible arguments against early intervention techniques and why that method is not utilized in more school districts and corporations.

Wow, this is an incredibly interesting read about mass shootings and the rising field of behavioral threat assessment which is focused on preventing them. This is not the same old argument of gun regulation versus mental health versus thoughts and prayers. Each chapter felt like a mini-essay and simply could not put the book down. Unfortunately, when the next mass shooting does occur, most Americans should read this book rather than watch the TV news coverage, as the author presents a very promising way forward in preventing the next one.

I must admit that I held my nose and rolled my eyes a little when I requested this book, which I thought would be a regurgitation of the recent news. I was wrong. This one kept me up until the wee hours with much thoughtful insight into this topic.