RAPID THREAT ASSESSMENT TOOL

Communications signaling changed or increased desperation or distress, evidenced by fixated thought patterns of death, inability to regulate emotions, and/or lack of positive expression.

Unusual/unexplained deviation from an individual’s prior behavioral pattern. Can include changes in hygiene and sleep habits. This may be in initiating report. Seek clarification when necessary.

New or alarming acts of aggressive or violent behavior, such as domestic violence, animal cruelty, or harassment; this could also include new patterns of violent or aggressive behavior. Note this if behavior escalates from assertive to aggressive.

Unusual, extreme preoccupation with a person, place, belief, or cause to the point that an individual cannot be redirected to end the infatuation.

Attempt to gain access or proximity to a target; refers to the type, frequency, and intensity of an individual’s attempts to be physically close to the target; could include unusual travel or significant changes in travel patterns.

Unusual interest in previous attacks, attackers, or violent extremists, such as emulating the actions and statements of former attackers.

Collection or stockpiling of unusual amounts or types of weapons, tactical equipment, or destructive materials, including explosives and chemicals, as well as attempts to illegally gain access to these materials.

Threats explicitly stated or communicated to commit an act of targeted violence made virtually, in-person, written, or verbally against a particular target.

Communications—verbal, written, in-person, or virtual—that intentionally or unintentionally reveal insight into an individual’s thinking, planning, or execution of an act to harm oneself or others; this could include ambiguous threats of violence.

Unusual or unexplained activities, behaviors, or communications indicating preparation for end of life, including a manifesto.