Social Media

the BTAM team should also evaluate information obtained from others who know the individual (e.g., colleagues, supervisors, family members), as well as lawfully accessible information contained in records, social media activity, and other forms of documentation.

Concerning behaviors may include escalating interpersonal disputes, grievances, concerning social media content, stalking and harassment, obsessions with violence, idolizing past attackers, fixating on people or locations, suicidal ideations, self-harm, unusual levels of aggression, threats, weapons violations, and physical assaults.

Dedicated analysts routinely monitor digital platforms, including social media, to assess and respond to threats, harassment, or other concerning behaviors targeting executives.

A full assessment typically involves multiple interviews, records checks, reviews of publicly available social media, and analysis of employer-issued electronic devices

The BTAM team determines that the individual presents a low risk for physical harm but a high risk for causing disruption at the store

A major retail outlet has a frequent customer with a history of disruptive and concerning behaviors who recently made posts on social media alluding to something bad happening to the store.

The BTAM team uses the Systems Approach to gather information through interviews with employees from the store, direct the company IT department to further review the individual's publicly available social media posts, and coordinate with law enforcement to conduct a consensual interview with the individual regarding the social media posts.

Publicly available posts on social media, forums, or content-sharing platforms can reveal grievances, intent, or interest in violence

Social media content can also contain indicators that an individual is in crisis

Including a team member with expertise in open-source investigations can significantly enhance a BTAM team's ability to identify digital and online indicators of concern

These team members should be trained to ethically and efficiently find, gather, and analyze publicly available open-source information

For example, if an assessment reveals an individual is fixated on past attackers, has grown increasingly isolated, and has posted concerning violent content on social media, the BTAM team will need to develop the appropriate strategies to manage the risk the individual may pose toward the workplace.

Assessment forms to document sources tapped when gathering information

Monitoring can include observing the employee's behavior, interactions, and communications with coworkers and clients; check-ins; tracking physical movement throughout a workplace; and monitoring online activities while on a company device or network.

These strategies can include following up with an employee or their friends, family, or mental health provider; monitoring online behavior and communications (e.g., social media posts); and re-evaluating potential resources or support mechanisms to assist the employee in coping with stressors.

Develop a strategy for continued monitoring. This can include allocating staff to search public court records and monitor open-source online activity and social media accounts.

organizations may consider supplementing a standard interview with background checks, reference checks, or a review of an applicant's digital footprint