Report page 13

The Secret Service recognizes that preventing targeted violence is possible if communities are equipped with the training and resources necessary to identify individuals of concern, assess their risk of violence, and intervene appropriately, namely through behavioral threat assessment (also referred to as behavioral threat assessment and management or “BTAM”).

Behavioral threat assessment is an approach to proactively prevent incidents of targeted violence.

NTAC research and Secret Service operational experience have established that behavioral threat assessment:

A behavior-based approach to proactively prevent incidents of targeted violence.

Is a systematic risk management approach. Unlike traditional criminal investigations that focus on arrest and criminal prosecution, behavioral threat assessment involves determining if an individual poses a risk of violence while developing proactive management strategies to reduce the likelihood of a violent outcome.

Requires corroboration from diverse sources. In addition to gathering information directly from the individual of concern, a behavioral threat assessment should evaluate information obtained from those who know the individual, as well as lawfully accessible information contained in records and other forms of documentation.

Emphasizes rapport building. A behavioral threat assessment should employ rapport-building techniques to facilitate positive engagement and successful intervention.

Utilizes a low threshold of concern. Acting at the first sign of concerning behavior, instead of waiting for a direct or explicit threat, improves the chances of preventing violence.

Provides an avenue for early intervention. A behavioral threat assessment facilitates the delivery of appropriate interventions and resources as part of a violence prevention strategy that focuses on addressing the factors driving an individual toward violence.

Is not profiling. Rather than focusing on demographic characteristics (e.g., gender, age, race, or ethnicity), behavioral threat assessment prioritizes understanding an individual’s thinking and behavior.

Is not prediction. Rather than attempting to predict who will act violently, a behavioral threat assessment should focus on identifying and addressing the concerning factors that appear to be driving a person toward violence.