Threat Assessment

Preventing violence and supporting the safety and well-being of the campus are responsibilities of all members of the University community. Campus safety is enhanced through community members identifying behaviors that may pose a potential threat and reporting those concerns in a caring and timely manner.

The University of Richmond's Threat Assessment Team (TAT) meets at least monthly for regularly scheduled meetings and as needed when a concern is presented during the fall and spring terms and on and “as needed” basis during breaks and summer terms. It is a multi-disciplinary group (members listed below) whose purpose is to support the University of Richmond community via an established protocol.

The TAT receives information of concerning behavior or misconduct from a variety of sources. The TAT conducts an assessment, and determines the best mechanisms for support, intervention, and response. The team then deploys its resources, and the resources of the University of Richmond, and coordinates follow up.

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  • What is a "threat?"

    A threat is a communication of intent to harm someone, either self or another person. A threat can be communicated directly to the intended target, or indirectly to third parties. A threat also may be expressed in nonverbal behavior, or in private statements, such as diaries or journal entries, which have no third-party audience.

  • What are warning signs of a potential threat?

    Listed below are behaviors or actions that may indicate a path towards danger to self or others. These behaviors alone may represent isolated incidents with no apparent trend or potential for harm. However, changes in behaviors over time are often indicative of potential problems and should create a higher level of concern.  Campus and community members are encouraged to document and report incidents of concerning behaviors that may not qualify independently as a threat.  While the signs, threats and indicators are detailed below, instances of changed behavior that may singularly or in combination generate concern include, but are not limited to:

     

    • References to planning a violent or destructive event or harming others
    • Preoccupation with weapons, violent events, or persons who have engaged in violent acts
    • Disruptive or bizarre conduct
    • Extreme and inappropriate reactions or responses, such as angry outbursts
    • Unexplained and alarming changes in behavior or conduct
    • Suicidal comments or threats.
  • How do I know if a threat is serious?

    It’s best to convey concerns to the Threat Assessment Team (TAT) and let the TAT determine whether or not there is a potential threat.

  • What is the Threat Assessment Team?

    The TAT is a triage team, not a disciplinary body. It strives to improve community safety through a proactive, collaborative, objective, and thoughtful process of identifying, assessing, managing, and preventing—whenever possible—situations that pose, or may reasonably pose, a threat to the safety and well-being of the UR campus community.

  • Who should report a potential threat?

    If you perceive the possibility of a threat, even if there is no immediate threat to safety, it is your responsibility to report it. If possible, make note of the following details:

    • Name of the person who may pose a threat to self or others
    • Name of victim(s) or potential victim(s)
    • Where and when the threat occurred
    • What you have observed that has led you to be concerned
    • What happened prior to the incident and any pertinent history
    • Any observed behavior that suggests an intent to follow through with a violent act towards self or others
  • When is the right time to speak up?

    Early identification of potential threats allows UR to intervene more effectively to address behaviors that are potential threats to the university community. In most situations this involves a compassionate referral of the person-of-concern to appropriate sources of help. The earlier the TAT is able to intervene, the greater the chances of preventing or deescalating a threatening situation.

  • I’m worried about getting someone in trouble.

    The TAT is not a disciplinary body. When there is evidence of a potential threat, it is usually an indicator of a bigger issue. Punishment or disciplinary action may not be necessary or appropriate. More often, the person who poses a threat may need a compassionate referral for help or services.

  • What information should I report?

    If you perceive the possibility of a threat, even if there is no immediate threat to safety, it is your responsibility to report it. If possible, make note of the following details:

    • Name of the person who may pose a threat to self or others
    • Name of victim(s) or potential victim(s)
    • Where and when the threat occurred
    • What you have observed that has led you to be concerned
    • What happened prior to the incident and any pertinent history
    • Any observed behavior that suggests an intent to follow through with a violent act
  • Who are the members of the Threat Assessment Team?
  • What is the Threat Assessment process?

    1. Identify person of concern

    2. TAT members gather information about the situation

    3. Determine if there are reasons for concerns; if not, close case

    4. If there are reasons for concern, discuss and assess the situation

    5. Decide upon and implement an appropriate case management plan

    6. Refer and follow-up

    7. Monitor and reevaluate the plan (as needed)