Threat Assessment Glossary

Question 1

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Answer 1

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 established comprehensive legislation covering civil rights for people with disabilities. It is published in the United States Code and is often referred to by the titles and chapters of the code that contain the law. More information about the ADA is available at http://www.ada.gov

Question 2

Administrative Action

Answer 2

A threat management intervention involving the use of disciplinary action within an organization or structure to manage problem individuals (e.g., firing, withholding services, suspension, barring from a particular location or activity; Calhoun & Weston, 2009).

Question 3

Affective Violence

Answer 3

Affective violence, sometimes called impulsive, emotional or reactive violence, is an unplanned act of violence that occurs in response to a perceived threat in the immediate environment (Meloy, 2006).

Question 4

Anchors

Answer 4

Anchors are factors that provide stability – in threat assessment, anchors could be used to provide support or stability to a subject who is struggling or represent reasons that an individual would not engage in targeted violence (de Becker, 1997).

Question 5

Approach Behavior

Answer 5

This refers to the type, frequency and intensity of the subject’s attempts to be physically proximal (close) to the target. Approach behavior includes successful and unsuccessful attempts to approach the target.

Question 6

Arrest

Answer 6

An arrest can be a threat management intervention. It is the act of detaining someone in legal custody, usually be a law enforcement officer. The actual deprivation of a person’s liberty can be physical detention for a short or prolonged period of time in response to a criminal charge. (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2011)

Question 7

Attack

Answer 7

Carrying out (or attempting to carry out) the intended violence against the target (Calhoun & Weston, 2003).

Question 8

Attack Related Behaviors

Answer 8

Specific behaviors that are needed in order to launch a physical assault on a target – These behaviors are displayed as steps on the pathway to violence (Calhoun & Weston, 2009).

Question 9

Behavioral Indicator

Answer 9

An observable action that provides evidence of an underlying element that may be relevant to a threat assessment and management case – for example, a subject’s actions (e.g., talking to him/herself) might lead the threat assessor to believe the person has a mental health disorder that influences the level of threat posed by that individual (Bulling et al., 2008).

Question 10

Behavioral Threat Assessment

Answer 10

Threat assessment orientation based on the idea that the subject will exhibit identifiable behaviors indicating the intent to commit an act of targeted of violence.

Question 11

Behaviors of Concern

Answer 11

Behaviors of concern are the observable, identifiable behaviors that an individual exhibits while they are progressing on the pathway of violence.

Question 12

Black Swan Event

Answer 12

An event that is rare, predictable only in retrospect, with extreme impacts (Meloy, 2011; Talib, 2007).

Question 13

Breach

Answer 13

The word breach is commonly used when referring to a gap or break. In threat assessment contexts, this usually refers to a situation where usual security measures have been circumvented (Calhoun & Weston, 2003).

Question 14

Bunkers

Answer 14

The use of the term “bunker” is linked to the common use of the phrase “bunker mentality” in which an individual or group becomes defensive and surrounded by fortifications (real and virtual) to keep information in or detractors out. Adopting a bunker mentality in threat assessment can lead to under or over estimation of risk (Calhoun & Weston, 2012).

Question 15

Case Dynamics

Answer 15

The continuous interaction between what is known and unknown in a particular case, and the evolving assessments used to determine the appropriate protective response at any given point in time (Calhoun & Weston, 2012).

Question 16

Code of Ethics

Answer 16

Refers to the ethical code developed by the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals outlining appropriate behavior and decision making in threat assessment and management (Association of Threat Assessment Professionals, 2010).

Question 17

Chain of Custody

Answer 17

This is a process used to document the chronological history of evidence to maintain the security, integrity and accountability of its handling.

Question 18

CirCon Factors

Answer 18

“CirCon” is an acronym for “circumstances, content and contextual factors” related to a subject’s inappropriate communication or contact (Calhoun & Weston, 2003).

Question 19

Civil Action

Answer 19

Civil actions are orders issued by a court to convince the subject to stop threatening behaviors or stay away from the target, periodically employed as a threat management intervention (e.g., restraining, stay away, protective orders) (Calhoun & Weston, 2009).

Question 20

Cognition

Answer 20

The simplest definition of cognition is thinking; in more complex terms it is the processes in the human mind involved in acquisition, storage, retrieval and processing of information. Individuals with poor cognition may have difficulty visualizing alternatives to violence and receiving assistance for grievances.

Question 21

Cognitive Complexity

Answer 21

This is a psychological construct that refers to a person’s ability to perceive nuances or subtle differences. A person who has high cognitive complexity is sensitive to small changes in a task, activity, behavior or the environment while someone with low cognitive complexity is less likely to detect these differences. Sometimes this is referred to as intuition or street smarts. A person may have high cognitive complexity but little formal education (Scott, 1962).

Question 22

Communication Channels

Answer 22

The mediums used to transmit messages are referred to as “communication channels.” Threat assessment uses this phrase when referring to the ways that information about threatening individuals can be gained by threat assessment teams (Calhoun & Weston, 2012).

Question 23

Confidentiality

Answer 23

Confidentiality refers to the process of safeguarding sensitive information, usually involving case intelligence or personal information. Confidentiality is sometimes framed as an individual’s right to have their personal information kept private.

Question 24

Content Factors

Answer 24

The information contained and conveyed in the words, style and method of a threat.

Question 25

Contextual Factors

Answer 25

Sometimes referred to as situational factors. In threat assessment the context refers to the situation and environment surrounding the subject or the target. These can be personal, organizational or on a larger scale (e.g., economic climate, world news, etc.; Scalora & Bulling, 2007).

Question 26

Credible Threat

Answer 26

A threat, direct or veiled, that is thought to be real, not just hypothetical. One test of whether a threat is credible is the ability and intent of the entity posing the threat (de Becker, 1997).

Question 27

Criminal Intelligence

Answer 27

This phrase refers to any information which is collected, analyzed or distributed for use in inhibiting or monitoring criminal activity (International Association of Chiefs of Police National Law Enforcement Policy Center, 1998).

Question 28

Cultural Competence

Answer 28

Organizationally, this is a set of behaviors, attitudes and policies that make it possible for people to work effectively across cultures. In threat assessment, it is having knowledge of culture differences and the ability to foresee how those differences may impact the investigation, analysis, or management of a case (US Department of Health & Human Service, 2005).

Question 29

Directly Communicated Threat

Answer 29

This is an unambiguous statement of threat to either the target or law enforcement detailing intention to commit an act of targeted violence (Meloy, 2011).

Question 30

Domino Effect

Answer 30

This phrase is used generally when referring to the cumulative effect an event can have when it initiates a succession of similar events. In threat assessment and management it is often used to describe the tendency for the loss of one inhibitor to affect other aspects of a subject’s life and create a downward spiral where other inhibitors are compromised as well (Calhoun & Weston, 2012).

Question 31

Duty to Warn/Protect

Answer 31

Legal directive to mental health professionals in most states with knowledge of a possible act of harm by someone in their care directed at a third party that they are required to act reasonably to protect the potential victim from the threat. This stems from a US Supreme Court decision in the 1970’s (Tarasoff v. Regents of the University of California) that established the professional’s duty to provide warning as a way to protect the third party from danger.

Question 32

Empathy

Answer 32

In mental health empathy typically means being able to recognize and feel what another is feeling, usually in a therapeutic context. In threat assessment empathy is often used as a way to build rapport with the target or subject.

Question 33

Energy Burst

Answer 33

A subject may have what is termed an “energy burst” as part of the pathway to violence. This is a pre‐attack increase in intensity (frequency and/or duration) or variety of warning behaviors, usually indicating an attack is imminent (Meloy, 2011).

Question 34

Evidence Collection

Answer 34

The process of gathering, maintaining and preserving evidence for use in investigation and prosecution.

Question 35

Environmental Influences

Answer 35

The sum of background factors (peer group, security, access to weapons, etc.) affecting the situation of both the subject and the target. This includes organizational or cultural factors that impact tolerance or reporting of behaviors on the pathway to violence.

Question 36

Extremist Violence

Answer 36

Violent action for which the impetus of the attack is born out of an ideological system, usually intended to enact some change or disrupt activities deemed unacceptable by followers of that ideology (Gerwehr & Hubbard, 2007).

Question 37

Fact Finding

Answer 37

Process of acquiring information and evidence (about the target, the subject, contacts, communication, past and present behavior, context) to support accurate and complete assessment of risks and the best way to defuse them (Calhoun & Weston, 2009).

Question 38

FERPA

Answer 38

Acronym for “Family Education Rights and Privacy Act” – This federal law (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) governs the gathering, maintenance and accessibility of educational records. Schools need written permission from the student to release educational records to anyone other than the student. Schools may disclose records, without consent, to certain parties under specific conditions including: complying with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena; to appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies; and to State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific State law.

Question 39

Final act behavior

Answer 39

Pre‐breach preparations made by the person(s) posing a threat right before the threat is carried out. This can include acts like disseminating reasons for the attack or executing a last will and testament (Calhoun & Weston, 2009).

Question 40

Fixation

Answer 40

A fixation is generally an extreme preoccupation with something, be it another person, an activity or an idea. It can be adaptive in the form of romantic love, parental love or loyalty, but can also cross into pathology when it involves a grievance, personal cause or a public figure (Meloy, 2011).

Question 41

Grievance

Answer 41

A grievance is generally defined as the cause of someone’s distress or reason for complaint/resentment; in threat assessment contexts it takes on additional meaning to include a highly personal meaning for the subject, often fueling their feeling of being wronged and translating into behaviors related to a sense of mission, destiny, loss or desire for revenge (Calhoun & Weston, 2003).

Question 42

HIPAA

Answer 42

Acronym for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act – The HIPAA Privacy Rule requires covered entities to protect individuals’ health records and other identifiable health information. Of primary importance to threat assessment professionals is the security, accountability and confidentiality of medical records covered by this act. The Privacy Rule permits use and disclosure of protected health information, without an individual’s authorization or permission, for national priority purposes to law enforcement officials under specific circumstances (See 45 C.F.R. § 164.512). Disclosure must also be made to someone they believe can prevent or lessen a threat or to law enforcement if the information is needed to identify or apprehend an escapee or violent criminal.

Question 43

Howlers (AKA Barkers)

Answer 43

Howlers are individual who, though they have inappropriate, bizarre or threatening contact with the target, never intend on following a path to violence (Calhoun & Weston, 2003; Calhoun & Weston, 2009).

Question 44

Howler Types: (Calhoun & Weston, 2009).

Answer 44

o Binder Howlers
o Celebrity‐seeking Howlers
o Controller Howlers
o Copycat Howlers
o Crusader Howlers
o Deluded Howlers
o Delusional Howlers
o Dirty‐trickster Howlers
o Habitual Howlers
o Impersonal Howlers
o Intimidator Howlers
o Maintainer Howlers
o Personal Howlers
o Seeker Howlers
o Self‐defender Howlers
o Sinister Howlers

Question 45

Individuals who threaten to facilitate a personal relationship with the target.

Answer 45

o Binder Howlers

Question 46

Individuals who are motivated to threaten individuals because of their high public profile.

Answer 46

o Celebrity‐seeking Howlers

Question 47

Individuals who threaten as means of control over the target, usually a partner or family member.

Answer 47

o Controller Howlers

Question 48

Individuals who threaten as a reaction to other threats or reports of violence.

Answer 48

o Copycat Howlers

Question 49

Individuals who threaten as a means to further a personal cause.

Answer 49

o Crusader Howlers

Question 50

Individuals who threaten as a result of delusional relationship (or potential relationship) with the target.

Answer 50

o Deluded Howlers

Question 51

Individuals for whom delusional content plays a direct role in their threats

Answer 51

o Delusional Howlers

Question 52

Individuals who threaten in order to implicate a third party as the perpetrator of the threats.

Answer 52

o Dirty‐trickster Howlers

Question 53

Individuals who make threats on a continual basis, much like a hobby.

Answer 53

o Habitual Howlers

Question 54

Individuals who threaten someone they do not know.

Answer 54

o Impersonal Howlers

Question 55

Individuals who threaten as a way of intimidating the target who is typically a member of one of their social circles (e.g. supervisor, coworker, teacher, classmate).

Answer 55

o Intimidator Howlers

Question 56

Individuals who threaten as an attempt to continue a relationship which the target wishes to end.

Answer 56

o Maintainer Howlers

Question 57

Individuals who threaten someone they know.

Answer 57

o Personal Howlers

Question 58

Individuals who threaten as a means to establish an intimate relationship with the target, even when the target has repeatedly rebuffed them.

Answer 58

o Seeker Howlers

Question 59

Individuals who threaten as a defensive reaction to a perceived threat or attack from the target.

Answer 59

o Self‐defender Howlers

Question 60

Individuals who threaten in order to scare the target.

Answer 60

o Sinister Howlers

Question 61

Human on human violence

Answer 61

Deliberate actions taken by a human against another human with the intention of causing harm.

Question 62

Hunters (AKA Biters)

Answer 62

Hunters are individuals who intend to follow a path toward violence and behave in ways to further that goal (Calhoun & Weston, 2003; Calhoun & Weston, 2009).

Question 63

Ideation

Answer 63

The Merriam‐Webster dictionary defines ideation as “the capacity for or the act of forming or entertaining ideas.” In threat assessment contexts, this term takes on the added meaning of entertaining ideas specific to the utility and acceptability of violence as a means to address the subject’s particular grievance (Calhoun & Weston, 2003).

Question 64

Identification

Answer 64

Thoughts of the necessity and utility of violence by a subject that are made evident through behaviors like researching previous attackers and collecting, practicing, and fantasizing about weapons (Meloy, 2011).

Question 65

Impromptu Violence

Answer 65

This is an act of spontaneous violence often sparked by situational or contextual triggers (Calhoun & Weston, 2003; Calhoun & Weston, 2009).

Question 66

Inappropriate Communication or Contact

Answer 66

Contact or communication with the target that is unwanted and intended by the subject to further the motives behind the threatening behavior. Contact can be written, verbal or behavioral in nature and delivered in a variety of ways. These may be perceived by the target as intimidation, harassment, threatening, or out of context (abbreviated as IC&C) (Calhoun & Weston, 2009).

Question 67

Information Analysis

Answer 67

Careful consideration of converging evidence in a case to ascertain the level of threat posed and progress toward violence.

Question 68

Information Gathering

Answer 68

Process of obtaining information from all available sources to inform the analysis and decision making in a threat assessment (Fein & Vossekuil, 1998).

Question 69

Information Silos

Answer 69

Information that is not shared across disciplines or agencies is sometimes referred to as being in a “silo.” The word silo originates from the towers or pits used to store grain. The term is also used to refer to information or knowledge that is kept separate, is tightly controlled and not shared. When information about a threat or potentially threatening situation is not shared appropriately it can inhibit attempts to assess or manage it (Calhoun & Weston, 2012).

Question 70

Inhibitors

Answer 70

In threat assessment this is anything that serves to decrease the likelihood that a subject’s behavior will escalate to an act of targeted violence (e.g., familial bonds, strong friendships or employment); sometimes referred to as buffers (Calhoun & Weston, 2003).

Question 71

Insider threat

Answer 71

An individual with access to a facility or organization who uses that access to disrupt or cause harm to the organization or others involved with that organization (Cappelli, 2005)

Question 72

Intended Violence

Answer 72

Violent acts which meet the following criteria: intent to commit the act, selecting an attack mode that ensures injury, death or property damage and a motive that does not profit the attacker (Calhoun & Weston, 2003).

Question 73

Interrogation

Answer 73

Purposeful questioning of a subject to obtain accurate, useful and timely information relevant to an investigation (Boetig & Bellmer, 2008).

Question 74

Intervention

Answer 74

An action or process that has the effect of modifying behavior, thinking or emotions
– in threat assessment an intervention is the action taken in implementation of a threat management strategy (e.g., interviewing, monitoring, etc.; Calhoun & Weston, 2003).

Question 75

Intervention/Inhibitor dichotomy

Answer 75

Disciplinary actions toward a subject are often required in threat management to ensure a target’s safety; however, confrontational interventions can also negatively affect a subject’s well‐being. The relationship between the target’s safety and the subject’s well‐being can be described as a dichotomy in some situations, because each impacts the other and often suggest different threat management decisions. Both should be considered and continuously assessed after intervention (Calhoun & Weston, 2012).

Question 76

Intervention Synergy

Answer 76

The Case Dynamic intensified by the stimulus of what the threat manager or target does or does not do in response to the threat situations (Calhoun & Weston, 2012).

Question 77

Intervention Vectors

Answer 77

Similar in concept to intervention strategies, it is the range of levels of confrontation with the subject of a threat management case (Calhoun & Weston, 2003).

Question 78

Interview Approaches

Answer 78

Strategies to engage a subject in the interview in order to elicit information.

Question 79

Interview Strategy

Answer 79

Plan for the goals and approaches to an interview (i.e., deciding what information will be sought, how the subject will be redirected, where the interview will take place, etc.; Calhoun & Weston, 2003).

Question 80

Intimacy

Answer 80

Real or perceived close personal relationship sometimes accompanied by physical or sexual contact.

Question 81

Intimacy Effect

Answer 81

The closer the interpersonal relationship (degree of intimacy) between the threatener (subject) and the threatened (target), the greater the likelihood of threats being carried out. This intimacy is based upon the subject’s perception of the relationship which may be delusional and completely unknown to the target (Calhoun & Weston, 2003).

Question 82

Investigation

Answer 82

This is an active process of seeking out and finding information relevant to a threat assessment case.

Question 83

Investigative Interview

Answer 83

Any verbal interaction between a law enforcement officer and a civilian for which the purpose is gathering information (Boetig & Bellmer, 2008).

Question 84

JACA

Answer 84

JACA is an acronym for Justification – Alternatives – Consequences – Ability. This acronym suggests four questions that can help determine level of threat posed by a subject: J ‐ Does the person feel justified in using violent means? A – Does the subject perceive they have alternatives to rectify their grievance? C – How salient are the consequences of this activity to the subject? A – Does the subject believe they have the ability to carry out the intended violence (de Becker, 1997)?

Question 85

Last Resort

Answer 85

The subject’s decision to end their life can lead to an act of targeted violence as a means of attaining fame or martyrdom in addition to their suicide attempt (Meloy, 2011).

Question 86

Leakage

Answer 86

Leakage is an accidental or gradual escape – in threat assessment it is used to describe when a subject shares information with a third party that reveals clues related to their thinking, planning or execution of an act of targeted violence (O’Toole, 2000).

Question 87

Liability

Answer 87

Legal responsibility or obligation related to professional actions or inactions.

Question 88

Mental Health Commitment

Answer 88

Sometimes referred to as civil commitment – this is a legal action that forces an individual into mental health care. Jurisdictions differ in the legal definitions and criteria for commitment, but generally two criteria must be met: 1) the person must have a mental disorder and 2) the mental disorder contributes to dangerousness that the subject exhibits by actions or threats to themselves (suicide or inability to care for self) or others (homicidal or actively threatening harm to another person).

Question 89

o Mood Disorders
* Depression
* Mania

Answer 89

Disorders that include prolonged excessive emotion. Threat assessors should be aware that symptoms can include clouded judgment along with other symptoms:

Question 90

Can be a major mental disorder or a short term, reactive state. A major depressive episode includes symptoms that occur over two weeks or more. Symptoms of depression include sadness, loss of interest/pleasure, sleep disturbance, weight change, psychomotor disturbance, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, cognitive disturbance, and recurring thoughts of death. Suicide is associated with major depression and is of great concern to threat assessors.

Answer 90

• Depression

Question 91

Clinically, mania is a period in which an individual experiences elevated, expanded or irritable mood and grandiosity, decreased sleep, increase in verbal communication, distractibility, increase in activity or psychomotor agitation and excessive involvement in pleasurable activities.

Answer 91

• Mania

Question 92

o Personality Disorders
* Borderline
* Narcissistic
* Paranoid

Answer 92

Mental disorders characterized by unhealthy patterns or thinking and behavior. There are several types of personality disorder, but three symptoms are of most concern to threat assessors:

Question 93

Often characterized by desperate attempts to avoid abandonment (real or perceived), a pattern of frequent, unstable relationships, unstable self‐image, impulsive behavior across multiple domains (including, sexual activity, spending money, substance abuse, driving recklessly, eating dysfunction) (American Psychiatric association [APA], 2000; Meloy, 2001).

Answer 93

• Borderline

Question 94

Clinically characterized as having a grandiose sense of importance, a belief in being special or unique, fantasies of excessive intelligence, power, beauty, wealth etc., sense of entitlement, exploitative of those around them, need for admiration, arrogance, envious of others or believes that they are envious, lacking in empathy and arrogance or superior attitude/behavior (APA, 2000).

Answer 94

• Narcissistic

Question 95

Unwarranted suspicion that others are harming them in some way, questioning of loyalty of those around them, bearing of grudges, reluctance to trust or confide in others for fear of exploitation and perceiving of threats or sleights when none are present (APA, 2000; Meloy, 2001).

Answer 95

• Paranoid

Question 96

o Thought Disorders
* Delusion
* Hallucination

Answer 96

Mental disorders that include a variety of symptoms related to a disruption in the ability to communicate or think clearly. Two key symptoms of thought disorders are of concern to threat assessors:

Question 97

A delusion is an incorrect belief that is caused by a thought disturbance; can be of a number of different types including grandiose, jealous, persecutory, somatic and erotomanic (APA, 2000).

Answer 97

• Delusion

Question 98

In clinical terms a hallucination is any sensory experience that is perceived by someone to be occurring externally for which there is no stimulus present. These can take the form of any perceptual experience from any of the five senses (APA, 2000).

Answer 98

• Hallucination

Question 99

Monitoring
o Active
o Passive

Answer 99

Monitoring falls into one of two types, active or passive:

Question 100

Threat management interventions that are dynamic and involve real time observation of a subject’s behavior and/or movements through means such as surveillance or wiretapping.

Answer 100

o Active

Question 101

Threat management interventions that involved the use of non‐intensive methods of tracking subject’s behavior, such as having a third party report on conduct.

Answer 101

o Passive

Question 102

Multi‐disciplinary Team

Answer 102

A group of professionals from different disciplines assembled to provide their perspectives and expertise in the fulfillment of a function such as threat assessment and management.

Question 103

Myopic management

Answer 103

Myopia is a difficulty viewing distant things due to nearsightedness. “Myopic management” refers to the style of management that focuses on short‐term goals with immediate payoffs at the expense of strategies with superior but distant payoffs (Mizik, 2010; Calhoun & Weston, 2012).

Question 104

Novel Aggression

Answer 104

In threat assessment this refers to new acts of violence committed by the subject that are unrelated to their planned act of targeted violence (Meloy, 2011).

Question 105

Opportunistic Violence

Answer 105

These are acts of intended violence involving general or non‐specific selection of victim (Calhoun & Weston, 2003).

Question 106

Overt Threat

Answer 106

Threat of a direct nature, describing a possible future act against the target (e.g., I will kill you; O’Toole, 2000).

Question 107

Pathway to Violence

Answer 107

A series of sequential steps – from its beginning with a felt grievance, to violent ideation, research and planning, specific preparations for violence, critical breaches of security or other boundaries, to a concluding attack – which indicate that an individual is progressing towards an act of targeted violence (Calhoun & Weston, 2003; Fein, Vossekuil, Pollack, Borum, Modzeleski & Reddy, 2002).

Question 108

Physical Security

Answer 108

Physical security is the sum of the physical protective measures (e.g., key locks, security guards, security cameras, etc.) designed to detect, mitigate or eliminate a threat.

Question 109

Predatory Violence

Answer 109

Predatory violence is an act that is planned for by the attacker and does not involve reactive emotional components or an imminent threat to the attacker. It is sometimes referred to as instrumental, premeditated, proactive or cold blooded violence (Meloy, 2006).

Question 110

Preparation

Answer 110

After deciding on a course of action and conducting the necessary background work, the subject must prepare for the actual attack. Behaviors associated with this include acquiring weapons, assembling equipment, arranging transportation, observing significant dates, rehearsing, conducting final act behaviors or costuming (Calhoun & Weston, 2003).

Question 111

Protective Fact Finding

Answer 111

Process of gathering detailed information surrounding an inappropriate communication or contact, including background on the subject, current behaviors, links to the target, and triggers for the communication – this information is used to create safety plans for the target (Calhoun & Weston, 2006).

Question 112

Proportionate Responses

Answer 112

The principle of “proportionality” refers to the balance that is struck between achievement of a goal and the cost to achieve it. Legal use of proportionality usually refers to a legal punishment being equivalent to the severity of the crime. Military use of the phrase is often related to use of force in response to aggression.
Proportionate responses in threat assessment and management refer to strategies that employ measures comparable to the level of risk presented by the subject (Gardam, 1993; Calhoun & Weston, 2012).

Question 113

Protective Response

Answer 113

Actions taken in response to a criminal act or imminent threat to secure the target and ensure their safety (Calhoun & Weston, 2003).

Question 114

Psychopathy

Answer 114

In its clinical interpretation, psychopathy is generally conceptualized as a condition in which a specific combination of personality and behavioral factors exist. These factors include a superficiality and charming aspect, unreliability, lack of remorse, insight or affective reaction, dysfunction in interpersonal relationships, anti‐social and dangerous/risky behavior and lack of life planning (Meloy, 2001).

Question 115

Radicalization

Answer 115

Conversion of a follower of a legitimate belief system to an extremist ideology based on that system, often with the intent of using them to commit or support a future act of violence (Silber & Bhatt, 2007).

Question 116

Rapport Building

Answer 116

Establishing a sense of connection between the interviewer and the interviewee to facilitate communication and information sharing (Keats, 1993)

Question 117

Redirection

Answer 117

Technique of refocusing the subject’s attention away from the target and toward another person, organization or activity (e.g., toward the threat assessment professional or law enforcement agency; Calhoun & Weston, 2003).

Question 118

Referral

Answer 118

Process of sending an individual to another professional with the proper expertise to address their particular situation.

Question 119

Research and Planning

Answer 119

Seeking information about a target to facilitate an attack – Can include any number of dimensions including surveillance of the target, internet searches, testing security around the target and researching methods of attack (Calhoun & Weston, 2003).

Question 120

Risk Assessment

Answer 120

Risk assessment began in systems engineering – in threat assessment it is used as a phrase that encompasses a process through which options for decreasing risk are considered along with the potential outcomes associated with their implementation, both positive and negative (Haimes, 2004).

Question 121

Scope of Practice

Answer 121

Recognizing the limits of knowledge, experience and capabilities one possesses and only performing functions with the boundaries of professional training and duties (American Psychological Association, Inc., 2002).

Question 122

Stalking

Answer 122

A cluster of behaviors including unwanted communication, approach, or other contact, usually intended to threaten, harass, coerce or intimidate the target into meeting the demands of the perpetrator (Kopp, Hart & Lyon, 2002). (It is important to review stalking laws in your jurisdiction to ensure you know the legal definition and specific behaviors listed in the law)

Question 123

Subject Interview

Answer 123

A threat management intervention that involves direct contact with the subject and may or may not include questioning. The subject interview can have many different purposes including information gathering, refocusing or redirecting the subject and warning or confronting the subject (Calhoun & Weston, 2009).

Question 124

Substance Abuse

Answer 124

A maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress as manifested in one (or more) of the following: failure to fulfill obligations (family, work, school, etc.); use of substances in hazardous situations; recurrent substance related legal troubles; or continued use despite frequent interpersonal difficulties related to this use. In threat contexts, substance abuse often has an impact on the subject’s impulse control and may contribute to an erosion of inhibitors.

Question 125

Surveillance

Answer 125

Actively but unobtrusively observing a subject to gather information about their activities and whereabouts.

Question 126

Tail Risk

Answer 126

Probabilities of risk at the extreme ends (tails) of a normal distribution – in threat assessment this pertains because targeted violence has a very low rate of occurrence, however, the risk should not be underestimated based on statistical probability that it will or will not happen (Meloy, 2011).

Question 127

Take No Further Action at This Time

Answer 127

A deliberate, justified decision to assign a case inactive status (Calhoun & Weston, 2009).

Question 128

Target

Answer 128

The general definition of a target is a person, object or place that is the aim of an attack. In threat assessment and management it is the point of fixation for intended violence. This can include people, buildings or more general concepts (Calhoun & Weston, 2012).

Question 129

Targeted Violence

Answer 129

Violent incidents involving an identifiable subject (perpetrator) who possesses the intent and potential to cause harm to an identifiable target (Borum, Fein, Vossekuil, & Berglund, 1999; Fein & Vossekuil, 1998; Fein, Vossekuil, & Holden, 1995; Reddy, Borum, Berglund, Vossekuil, Fein & Modzeleski, 2001).

Question 130

Terrorism

Answer 130

Act of violence or threats of violence used to further the agenda of the perpetrator while causing fear and psychological distress (Schmid, 2006).

Question 131

Third Party Control or Monitoring

Answer 131

Using a reliable third party to exercise control over the subject or unobtrusively monitor their behavior (Calhoun & Weston, 2009).

Question 132

Threat Assessment

Answer 132

A fact‐based method of assessment/investigation that focuses on an individual’s patterns of thinking and behavior to determine whether, and to what extent, they are moving toward an attack on an identifiable target (Borum, Fein, Vossekuil & Berglund, 1999).

Question 133

Threat/Control Override

Answer 133

A condition in which the individual believes they are not in control of their actions, but instead is being commanded by an outside, usually malevolent, force (Link & Stueve, 1994).

Question 134

Threat Management

Answer 134

Managing a subject’s behavior through interventions and strategies designed to disrupt or prevent an act of targeted violence.

Question 135

Threat Management Process

Answer 135

The threat management process is the entirety of the steps taken to identify, assess, and manage a threat assessment case. This includes developing, implementing and monitoring a thorough plan unique to each subject and situation that includes protective measures for the intended target (Fein, Vossekuil & Holden, 1995; Fein, Vossekuil, Pollack, Borum, Modzeleski & Reddy, 2002).

Question 136

Threat Management Strategy

Answer 136

A coordinated plan of direct or indirect interventions with the subject that, based on current information regarding level of threat posed, is designed to defuse the risk in a given situation at a particular point in time.

Question 137

Threat Management Team

Answer 137

A cross functional, multidisciplinary team approach to assist in assessing threatening situations and developing threat management plans. The team meets regularly, and as needed in crisis situations, to review potential and active threat cases (Deisinger, Randazzo, O’Neill & Savage, 2008).

Question 138

Threat Manager

Answer 138

The person who has primary responsibility for initiating, investigating, assessing and managing threat cases – this person should have experience and training in threat assessment/management before assuming the role of manager (Calhoun & Weston, 2003; Calhoun & Weston, 2009).

Question 139

Triggers

Answer 139

A trigger is an event or action that initiates a response of some type. In threat assessment, a trigger initiates action on the part of the subject, moving them along the path to violence. Identifying potential triggers is part of the threat assessment process (Drysdale, Modzeleski, & Simons, 2010).

Question 140

Types of Targeted Violence

Answer 140

o Domestic Violence
o Workplace Violence
o Public Figure
o Organizational

Question 141

Is a pattern of behavior in which one intimate partner uses physical violence, coercion, threats, intimidation, isolation and emotional, sexual or economic abuse to control the other partner in a relationship (American Bar Association Commission on Domestic Violence, 1999).

Answer 141

o Domestic Violence

Question 142

Targeted violence, threats, bullying, harassment, intimidation, etc. which occurs in the workplace – by someone within the organization (e.g., disgruntled employee) or from someone outside the organization (may or may not be associated with an employee of the organization; Rugala, 2004).

Answer 142

o Workplace Violence

Question 143

A target with high public profile, such as a government official, politician or entertainer.

Answer 143

o Public Figure

Question 144

An act of violence in which the target is an organization or group, not an individual person, though individuals may be harmed during the act, they are not the primary objective of the attacker.

Answer 144

o Organizational

Question 145

Veiled Threat

Answer 145

Threat of an indirect nature, vaguely describing the possibility of negative consequences for the target (e.g. Someday you will get what is coming to you; O’Toole, 2000).

Question 146

Venues of Violence

Answer 146

Locations in which violence occurs or could potentially occur, including (but not limited to) workplaces, residences, and schools.

Question 147

Victim Interview

Answer 147

Interview involving the target of the threatener (subject).

Question 148

Victim Management

Answer 148

Working with the target to determine what a potential victim knows, needs to know, and how he or she finds out about the subject’s behaviors. Providing too much information can unnecessarily cause distress for the victim, while not presenting enough can lead to unsafe situations.

Question 149

Victim Selection

Answer 149

The process by which a subject focuses on a target for his or her intended violence. This can include specific selection or opportunistic victims that happen to be at the location of an attack or included in some broad group that the subject has a grievance toward (Calhoun & Weston, 2012).

Question 150

Violence

Answer 150

An intentional act of harm.

Question 151

Violence Content

Answer 151

The nature and intensity of violent rhetoric included in inappropriate contacts and communications (Meloy, 2011).

Question 152

Violence Risk Assessment

Answer 152

A continuous investigative and analytical process of evaluating an individual’s probability of committing an act of violence based on personal and situational variables by an individual qualified (through training, experience or education) to make risk determinations and recommendations to for response, management and mitigation of that risk (Hart, 1998; Rogers, 2000; ASIS International (ASIS) & Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), 2011).

Question 153

Violence Risk Factors

Answer 153

Reliable factors which have an established correlation with violent crime (Meloy, 2001).

Question 154

Violence Risk Screening

Answer 154

A broad determination by a threat management team as to whether individual’s behavior shows cause for concern and should initiate threat management procedures (ASIS & SHRM, 2011).

Question 155

Violent Ideation

Answer 155

The process of forming and entertaining thoughts about violence as an acceptable means to address a grievance (Bruns, Disorbio & Hanks, 2007).

Question 156

Vulnerability

Answer 156

Vulnerability has many meanings depending on context. According to homeland security definitions, it refers to degree to which a target is at risk for attack or disruption, in mental health circles vulnerability is an innate propensity for a disorder or symptom cluster, which may only manifest given certain triggers. In threat assessment, vulnerability typically is closer to the homeland security definition, referring to the target’s vulnerability to the subject’s violent intent or threats (Department of Homeland Security (U.S.), 2006).

Question 157

Watch and Wait

Answer 157

Unobtrusive monitoring of the subject while waiting to see if he or she will take additional actions in relation to the target (Calhoun & Weston, 2009)

Question 158

Witness Interview

Answer 158

Interview involving a third party – usually to inquire about information concerning threatening behaviors or contacts by the subject, or background information on the subject’s past or current behavior or mental status.