Concepts and Case Studies in Threat Management

Professionalization has come to the field of threat management. It has developed a systematic theory unique to the field, recognized authorities have emerged, and it is finding its own ethical code of conduct. It is also beginning to grow its own culture, complete with a vocabulary of its own. Although the field has a way to go, it is well along the path to becoming a profession. One product of this ongoing professionalization is the identification of certain key concepts that, until now, have been unidentified or undefined. Concepts and Case Studies in Threat Management explores the salient themes essential to the practice and profession of threat management. These concepts include case dynamics and intervention synergy, the importance of determining key factors in each situation, the power of inhibitors, differences among the various venues of violence, and avoiding myopic management strategies and isolationism. The authors illustrate these concepts and more, with detailed examples and real-life case studies that give readers practical, concrete perspectives on the myriad threat management scenarios they may encounter as they practice their profession. The book also introduces a glossary of terms, developed in a joint effort between the authors and researchers at the University of Nebraska’s Public Policy Center, that have emerged during the current professionalization of threat management. Moving the field towards a more pragmatic approach, the book explores in depth the current state of the threat management process. With a full understanding of the components and challenges in each threat management situation, those charged with protecting the public will improve their approach to the tasks of identifying, assessing, and managing individuals who pose a risk of violence.

New Concepts Emerging From the Professionalization of Threat Management Presenting a Practical Approach to Threat Management Scope of the Book Organization of the Book A Brief Review of the Fundamental Elements of Threat Management Two Forms of ViolenceThe Paths to Violence Elements of the Contemporary Threat Management Process Hunters and Howlers "At This Time" Empathy The Spectrum of Threat Management Strategies for Defusing the Risk Format for Threat Assessments 1. What Do We Know About the Situation at This Time? 2. What Is the Assessment of the Known Facts at This Time?3. What Is the Recommended Protective Response? 4. What Are the Recommended Threat Management Strategies? Case Study: Piecing Together the Puzzle Background Analysis A Brief Note on the Silo Effect and Its Impact on This Case Lessons LearnedCase Dynamics and Intervention Synergy The Dynamics of Threat Management The Role of Time The Role of the Uncontrollables Accepting Good News Intervention Synergy Ethics of Threat ManagementSending the Problem to Someone Else Solving the Problem but Leaving Others or the Public at Risk Assessment to Enhance Security Profits Inappropriate Influence Intervention Proportionate to the Threat Abandoning the Weak to Protect the Powerful Case Study: The Dynamo AnalysisLessons LearnedThe Need-to-Knows Understanding the Need-to-Knows The Need-to-Knows How Did the Subject Choose to Approach the Target? What About the Situation Indicates the Subject’s Identity and Physical Proximity to the Target? In Other Words, Who and Where Is the Subject? What About the Situation Indicates Whom or What the Subject Is Targeting? In Other Words, Who Is the Target? What About the Situation Indicates the Type of Venue Being Targeted and What About the Venue Gives Insight Into the Subject’s Intent, Motive, and Ability? What About the Situation Indicates Whether or Not the Intimacy Effect Is in Play? In Other Words, What Is the Nature of the Relationship Between the Subject and the Target?What About the Situation Relates to the Subject’s Choice of Context, Content, and Circumstances? Is the Target Currently Accessible to the Subject? Does the Subject Have the Ability and Motivation to Take Advantage of Any Current Accessibility to the Target? Is There a Known History of Previous Contacts With the Target or Other Targets by This Subject? Does the Subject Have a History of Violent or Threatening Behaviors, Including Any Criminal Behavior? What Is the Subject’s Knowledge About the Target’s Current Situation? Is the Subject Seeking Knowledge About the Target and the Target’s Current Situation? Does the Subject’s Behavior Indicate Mental Health Issues, Including Suicidality?Does the Subject Possess, Have Access to, or Give Evidence of a Fascination with Weapons? Is the Subject Currently Seeking to Obtain a Weapon? What Is the Status of the Subject’s Inhibitors, Including Any Recent Losses? Has the Subject Exhibited Controlling, Isolating, or Jealous Behaviors Toward the Target? Does the Subject Have a History of Abuse of Alcohol, Drugs, or Prescription Medicines? Does the Subject Have Any Relevant Medical Issues? Has the Subject Engaged in Any Final-Act Behaviors? Not All Need-to-Knows Are Created EqualFinal Thoughts on Gathering Information for Assessment Case Study: Knowing What You Need The Facts The Assessment Recommended Protective Response Recommended Fact Finding Recommended Threat Management Strategy The DenouementReassessment Protective Response Lessons Learned Inhibitors and Their Impacts The Power of Inhibitors The Domino EffectUsing Inhibitors PositivelyDisinhibiting a Subject Propping Up a Subject’s Inhibitors The Toppling Inhibitors Lessons Learned Differences Among the Various Venues of Violence The Concept of Social Ecosystems The Role of Motive in Distinguishing the Venues for Intended Violence Why Public Figures Attract Violence Guidelines for Assessing Threats to Public Figures Why Intimate Partners Attract Violence Guidelines for Assessing Threats to Domestic Partners Why Gathering Places Attract Violence Guidelines for Assessing Threats to Gathering Places Why Workplaces Attract Violence Guidelines for Assessing Potential Workplace Violence Why Representative Targets Attract Violence Guidelines for Assessing Potential Attacks Toward Representative Targets Case Studies on the Different Venues for Violence Why Public Figures Attract Violence: The Reluctant Public Figure Why Domestic Partners Attract Violence: "If I Can’t Have Him/Her…" Why Gathering Places Attract Violence: "Thank God, This Is a Sunday…" Why Workplaces Attract Violence: An Eye for an Eye Why Representative Targets Attract Violence: "A Man Who’s Dangerous, Who’s Not Rational, and He Has Weapons" Lessons Learned On Cutbacks, Silos, Bunkers, and Myopic Management Strategies Diminishing Access to Intervention Strategies Information Silos (The Silent Silos) Bunker Mentality (Bogus Bunkers) Myopic Intervention Strategies Case Studies on Cutbacks, Silos, Bunkers, and MyopiaEvents Leading Up to April 16, 2007, at Virginia Tech Events Leading Up to January 8, 2011, at Congresswoman Giffords’s "Congress on Your Corner" Event in Tucson, Arizona Lessons Learned Appendix A: Glossary of Threat Management Terminology Appendix B: Association of Threat Assessment Professionals’ Code of Ethical Conduct Index

Stephen W. Weston J.D., Frederick S. Calhoun