Threat Intervention

Threat assessment is based on the premise that targeted violence is preventable and is the end result of a discernible process. An individual often engages in behaviors that may indicate escalation before acting violently. The following are examples of such behaviors and are meant to help you identify potential concerns — these examples are not intended to be all-inclusive, nor should it be assumed that an individual who exhibits them will definitely act out violently:

• Expressed intent to harm, either direct or implied.
• An unusual fascination with weapons, violence, or past attacks.
• Communications indicating someone is considering acting violently.
• Statements that violence is an acceptable way to settle grievances or disputes.
• Fixation on an individual or entity that is perceived as having wronged them.
• Lack of concern or interest in their future or the well-being of others.
• End of life planning.
• Loss of inhibitors that may be preventing an individual from acting out violently.

Report your concerns. Never assume that the team already has the information or that someone else has already reported it. The most accurate assessment can only be completed when all of the known information is made available to the Threat Team. The information you have may be what is needed to give the team a complete picture.

• IF A THREAT IS IMMINENT, CALL 911.
• Information that does not require immediate attention may be reported to any of the following:
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison Police Department
    (608) 264-2677  |  police@uwpd.wisc.edu
  • Office of Student Assistance and Support
    (608) 263-5700  |  dean@studentlife.wisc.edu
  • Office of Human Resources
    (608) 265-2257

The threat assessment process can be broken down into four phases:

• Identification – information regarding a potential threat is received. Baseline checks of criminal history and conduct databases are conducted. Depending on the urgency of the information, the Threat Team addresses it within a timeline appropriate to the circumstances.
• Assessment – additional information is obtained through witness interviews and other investigative techniques in order to determine an individual of concern’s intent and capability with regard to committing acts of violence.
• A strategy is developed to manage or mitigate the threat. This is generally a two-part process involving an intervention with the individual of concern and the development of a safety plan with the intended victim(s) or target(s).
• The matter is periodically revisited to ensure that the mitigation strategy is still appropriate and necessary as the situation evolves and conditions change.

As a reporting party, you can expect to be contacted to see if you have any additional information.  Limited information obtained during the threat assessment may be shared to the extent necessary to develop a safety plan for the intended target(s) or victim(s).

Most of the information obtained is considered confidential and is not shared to protect the privacy of the individuals involved and the integrity of the assessment.