Rapid Threat Assessment Tool

Concerning Behaviors

Adopted from Dept. of Education, Dept. of Homeland Security, and the US Secret Service Threat Assessment Guide.

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Deepening Desperation or Despair

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.

Changes in Behavior

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.

Novel Violence or Aggression

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.

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Fixation

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

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Preparatory Behavior

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.

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Interest in Past Attacks

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

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Unusual Acquisition of Weapons or Weapons Expertise

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.

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Expressed or Implied Intent to Harm

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

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Directly Communicated Threat

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.

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End of Life Planning

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