AACT MODEL: SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER EDITION

Service Description

The A.A.C.T. Model is a practical training program that helps school resource officers respond thoughtfully to challenges in school settings. Participants learn four steps: Acknowledge the Challenge, Assess the Conditions, Create a Game Plan, and Take Accountability of the Challenge. Through discussion and school-based scenarios, officers practice examining assumptions, communicating with students and staff, and choosing responses that support safety and constructive relationships. The program also introduces C.U.E.S.S.—Compassion, Understanding, Empathy, Sincerity, and Sympathy—as a guide for everyday interactions. Developed by 1st Source Defense, LLC, the training gives officers a framework they can apply while working within their agency’s policies and their school’s procedures. School resource officers make decisions in situations that involve students, families, educators, and school administrators. The A.A.C.T. Model gives officers a structured way to pause, assess what is happening, and choose a response suited to the situation. A.A.C.T. stands for Acknowledge the Challenge, Assess the Conditions, Create a Game Plan, and Take Accountability of the Challenge. Participants apply these steps to realistic school scenarios, including student behavior concerns, requests from staff, conflicts, and communication with families. The training encourages officers to examine assumptions, clarify their role, and consider how their decisions affect both immediate safety and longer-term relationships. The program also introduces C.U.E.S.S.—Compassion, Understanding, Empathy, Sincerity, and Sympathy—as a communication guide. Together, these tools help officers practice listening, asking useful questions, and explaining their actions clearly. Who it is for: School resource officers and law enforcement personnel assigned to school settings. What participants can expect: Instructor-led discussion, practical examples, school-based scenarios, and opportunities to practice the model. Interested in bringing A.A.C.T. to your agency or school partnership? Contact 1st Source Defense, LLC to discuss training options.