CTM Stuff

Question 1

Threat approach and attack behavior

Answer 1

are the products of discernible processes of thinking and behavior.
An individual’s motives and target selection are directly connected.
Precipitation may involve a personal/significant stressor

Question 2

Threat Assessment

Answer 2

Movement of idea to action
Targeted violence is not random or spontaneous
Not all threats are created equal.

Question 3

Key Foundational Assumptions

Answer 3

Emphasis dynamic factors (behavioral, clinical, situational) versus focus upon static factors
Idiographic or case - driven approach
Risk management instead of prediction
Potential victim and offender versus generalized considerations
Instrumental/Predatory violence

Question 4

Grievance

Answer 4

Motive or reason compelling the act

Question 5

Ideation

Answer 5

Settling upon the idea that violence is justified and necessary

Question 6

Research and Planning

Answer 6

Going beyond the idea to figure out how to consummate the violence

Question 7

Preparation

Answer 7

Obtaining the necessary equipment and taking other actions required to initiate the plan

Question 8

Attack

Answer 8

Actual Physical attack/assault

Question 9

Describe components and application of Structured Professional Judgement

Answer 9

Process
Gather information
Determine presence of the risk factors
Determine formulation of violence risk
Develop scenarios of violence

Question 10

TA & Violence Risk Assessment Tools

Answer 10

Cawood Assessment & Intervention Grids
RAGE-V (ATAP)
HCR-20 version 3
WAVR-21 (Meloy & White)

Question 11

Other Specialized Measures

Answer 11

Stalking Assessment & Management (SAM;Kroop, Hart & Lyon)
Stalking Risk Profile (SRP) MacKenzie, MeEwen, Pathe, James, Ogloff, Miullen
Spousal Assault Risk Assessment Guide - (SARA) Kropp,Hart, Webster, & Eaves

Question 12

Contextual Factors

Answer 12

• Recent act of targeted violence? Recent threatening or violent events? (copy cat issue as well as instigation) Anniversary of significant event approaching?

Question 13

Subject Factors

Answer 13

• Prior arrest record or prior harassment/threat-related activity? Problematic contacts with other agencies? Recent life stressors? Presence of mental illness symptoms

Question 14

Behavioral Activity

Answer 14

Intensity of effort as indicated by: Leakage of intentions
Persistent threatening or concerning behavior
Accomplices sought or alleged
Report threat with a specific plan
Written plan/list
Weapon present or available
Rehearsal behavior

Question 15

Intensity of Pursuit/Effort

Answer 15

Particularly noted in Public Figure threat research (Meloy, James, Scalora)
Superordinate variable looking at frequency and duration of communication, multiple means of communication, target dispersion
Potentially significant predictor of approach

Question 16

Leakage

Answer 16

Leakage in the context of threat assessment is the communication to a 3rd party of an intent to do harm to a target (Meloy, 2011). Leakage occurs when a subject “intentionally or unintentionally reveals clues to feelings, thoughts, fantasies, attitudes or intentions that may signal an impending violent act” (O’Toole, 2000)

Question 17

Motivational Factors

Answer 17

Nature of subject’s motivation? Help-seeking behavior? Motives driven by mental illness. Revenge/retaliation for perceived injustice or harm Bottom Line: The More Personal, The Higher The Concern(also called the intimacy Effect

Question 18

Intimacy Effect

Answer 18

The predictive level of threats as pre-incident indicators of violence increased in proportion to the degree of intimacy between the subject and the target. Intimacy as perceived by subject

Question 19

Apply Knowledge of Relevant Mental Health Risk Factors and Management (CONT)

Answer 19

Threatening Activity
1. All threats must be taken seriously
2.Generally literature notes little direct predictive relationship between direct threats and subsequent violence (Especially Political Figure lit)
However, more substantial relationship between direct threats and other types of violence (I.E. stalking and domestic violence)

Question 20

Apply Knowledge of Relevant Mental Health Risk Factors and Management (CONT)

Answer 20

Re Threats of violence, Warren, Mullen & McEwan note the following in evaluating threats:

1. All threats be taken seriously
2. Assessment of risk of enactment and repetition (including how threat is delivered such as leakage & what threat represent
3. Development of management approach of threatener that is risk-based
4. Consideration of how current practices may aggravate situation

Question 21

Threatening Language & Approach

Answer 21

based upon research ( Scalora, James), cases involving subject with:

1. Obvious/serious mental illness and prior approach history
2. Pose a significantly higher risk when threats are made

Question 22

Electronic Communication: Recent Research

Answer 22

When threats present, electronically communicating subjects not as likely to approach, unless communication was part of a campaign with other forms of communication (e.g., phone, letters)
More threatening language
More likely to contain obscenity

Question 23

Target Factors

Answer 23

Subject view target as responsible for current situation or difficulties?
Target media presence?/
High Profile?
Target Focus but contacts multiple entities (maintains focus of issue and motives across contacts)
Sometimes referred to as Fixation

Question 24

Define elements of the RAGE-V

Triggers

Answer 24

- Pending perceived negative job event
Rejection and abandonment
Increase psychosis
Civil (family court, child custody, (etc) or criminal justice system event(s)
Disruption of support system
Financial problems

Question 25

Inhibitors

Answer 25

Treatment availability, utilization, and past receptivity Other social support Spiritual or religious beliefs opposing violence Connectedness and healthy affectional bonds

Question 26

Risk factors

Answer 26

``` Weapons use Motivational factors drug use Head Trauma Criminal history History of mental illness Perception of injustice ```

Question 27

Process variables

Answer 27

``` Approach behavior Evidence of escalation deteriorating mental state Diminishing inhibitions inability or limited view or ability to pursue other option ```

Question 28

Describe relationship of risk factors, triggers, inhibitors and process variables to threat behavior

Answer 28

- Mental health - Role and limits of treatment - Development level - Links to medical condition - Group behavior

Question 29

Summarize ley literature in the field of TA/TM

Answer 29

Understand seminal works and their contribution to the field Able to define key terms

Question 30

Sample Definitions RAGE - V

Answer 30

Commitment - in this content refers to involuntary or less than voluntary hospitalization for psychological problems. Hospitalization occurs when someone poses a danger to themselves or others

Question 31

Inevitability

Answer 31

The belief that no matter what action one takes the course of events will not change

Question 32

Mitigation Strategies

Answer 32

Implementation of measures to lessen or eliminate the occurrence or impact of an incident of potential violence

Question 33

Protective Inhibitors

Answer 33

beliefs, relationships, injuries, lack of resources, or abilities that can limit whether a person is likely to follow through with dangerous conduct

Question 34

Dynamic Assessment Process

Answer 34

Assess Threat, Choose Intervention, Implement Intervention, and Monitor and Evaluate

Question 35

Key Components of management Process

Answer 35

1. Recognize need for threat management process 2. Assign responsibilities of monitoring to persons trained in TA 3. Liaison with appropriate parties related to protectees to facilitate tracking 4. Need for incident tracking system & documentation 5. Liaison with other agencies 6. Use consistent and valid TA methods 7. Apply TA strategies flexibly and intelligently (Calhoun & Weston 2009)

Question 36

Risk management Issues: Accountability

Answer 36

1. A multidisciplinary focus 2. Need for collateral contacts 3. Coordination of information 4. Need for agreements re: nature of how information from sources will be obtained, maintained and shared across parties

Question 37

Practical Issues

Answer 37

1. need to designate a Point of Contact for team members to share information re subject 2. Need a Point of Contact for subject to liaison with to avoid mix messages or confusion allowing for rapport building clarity of message avoid parties being played off against each other

Question 38

Identify types of threat management strategies

Answer 38

Administrative actions Active and passive monitoring arrest and prosecution Understand the cause and effect of implementing the most appropriate strategies to prevent harm

Question 39

Identify current tools, their use and limitations in TA/TM

Answer 39

- Assessor must avoid sole reliance on checklist/instruments/tool - Assessor must be trained and qualified on relevant instrument or tool - Instrumentation utilization must be reliable and valid as well as appropriate for the issue at hand - Assessor must be aware of the limitations of any instrumentation utilized - Assessor must stay current with new developments and outdated versions

Question 40

Understand the appropriate use of additional assessment methods in TA/TM

Answer 40

- Fitness for duty | - Mental health evaluation