1st Edition
Concepts and Case Studies in Threat Management
Professionalization has come to the field of threat management. It has developed a systematic theory unique to the field, recognized authorities have emerged, and it is finding its own ethical code of conduct. It is also beginning to grow its own culture, complete with a vocabulary of its own. Although the field has a way to go, it is well along the path to becoming a profession.
One product of this ongoing professionalization is the identification of certain key concepts that, until now, have been unidentified or undefined. Concepts and Case Studies in Threat Management explores the salient themes essential to the practice and profession of threat management. These concepts include case dynamics and intervention synergy, the importance of determining key factors in each situation, the power of inhibitors, differences among the various venues of violence, and avoiding myopic management strategies and isolationism. The authors illustrate these concepts and more, with detailed examples and real-life case studies that give readers practical, concrete perspectives on the myriad threat management scenarios they may encounter as they practice their profession. The book also introduces a glossary of terms, developed in a joint effort between the authors and researchers at the University of Nebraska’s Public Policy Center, that have emerged during the current professionalization of threat management.
Moving the field towards a more pragmatic approach, the book explores in depth the current state of the threat management process. With a full understanding of the components and challenges in each threat management situation, those charged with protecting the public will improve their approach to the tasks of identifying, assessing, and managing individuals who pose a risk of violence.
New Concepts Emerging From the Professionalization of Threat Management
Presenting a Practical Approach to Threat Management
Scope of the Book
Organization of the Book
A Brief Review of the Fundamental Elements of Threat Management
Two Forms of Violence
The Paths to Violence
Elements of the Contemporary Threat Management Process
Hunters and Howlers
"At This Time"
Empathy
The Spectrum of Threat Management Strategies for Defusing the Risk
Format for Threat Assessments
1. What Do We Know About the Situation at This Time?
2. What Is the Assessment of the Known Facts at This Time?
3. What Is the Recommended Protective Response?
4. What Are the Recommended Threat Management Strategies?
Case Study: Piecing Together the Puzzle
Background
Analysis
A Brief Note on the Silo Effect and Its Impact on This Case
Lessons Learned
Case Dynamics and Intervention Synergy
The Dynamics of Threat Management
The Role of Time
The Role of the Uncontrollables
Accepting Good News
Intervention Synergy
Ethics of Threat Management
Sending the Problem to Someone Else
Solving the Problem but Leaving Others or the Public at Risk
Assessment to Enhance Security Profits
Inappropriate Influence
Intervention Proportionate to the Threat
Abandoning the Weak to Protect the Powerful
Case Study: The Dynamo
Analysis
Lessons Learned
The Need-to-Knows
Understanding the Need-to-Knows
The Need-to-Knows
How Did the Subject Choose to Approach the Target?
What About the Situation Indicates the Subject’s Identity and Physical Proximity to the Target? In Other Words, Who and Where Is the Subject?
What About the Situation Indicates Whom or What the Subject Is Targeting? In Other Words, Who Is the Target?
What About the Situation Indicates the Type of Venue Being Targeted and What About the Venue Gives Insight Into the Subject’s Intent, Motive, and Ability?
What About the Situation Indicates Whether or Not the Intimacy Effect Is in Play? In Other Words, What Is the Nature of the Relationship Between the Subject and the Target?
What About the Situation Relates to the Subject’s Choice of Context, Content, and Circumstances?
Is the Target Currently Accessible to the Subject?
Does the Subject Have the Ability and Motivation to Take Advantage of Any Current Accessibility to the Target?
Is There a Known History of Previous Contacts With the Target or Other Targets by This Subject?
Does the Subject Have a History of Violent or Threatening Behaviors, Including Any Criminal Behavior?
What Is the Subject’s Knowledge About the Target’s Current Situation?
Is the Subject Seeking Knowledge About the Target and the Target’s Current Situation?
Does the Subject’s Behavior Indicate Mental Health Issues, Including Suicidality?
Does the Subject Possess, Have Access to, or Give Evidence of a Fascination with Weapons?
Is the Subject Currently Seeking to Obtain a Weapon?
What Is the Status of the Subject’s Inhibitors, Including Any Recent Losses?
Has the Subject Exhibited Controlling, Isolating, or Jealous Behaviors Toward the Target?
Does the Subject Have a History of Abuse of Alcohol, Drugs, or Prescription Medicines?
Does the Subject Have Any Relevant Medical Issues?
Has the Subject Engaged in Any Final-Act Behaviors?
Not All Need-to-Knows Are Created Equal
Final Thoughts on Gathering Information for Assessment
Case Study: Knowing What You Need
The Facts
The Assessment
Recommended Protective Response
Recommended Fact Finding
Recommended Threat Management Strategy
The Denouement
Reassessment
Protective Response
Lessons Learned
Inhibitors and Their Impacts
The Power of Inhibitors
The Domino Effect
Using Inhibitors Positively
Disinhibiting a Subject
Propping Up a Subject’s Inhibitors
The Toppling Inhibitors
Lessons Learned
Differences Among the Various Venues of Violence
The Concept of Social Ecosystems
The Role of Motive in Distinguishing the Venues for Intended Violence
Why Public Figures Attract Violence
Guidelines for Assessing Threats to Public Figures
Why Intimate Partners Attract Violence
Guidelines for Assessing Threats to Domestic Partners
Why Gathering Places Attract Violence
Guidelines for Assessing Threats to Gathering Places
Why Workplaces Attract Violence
Guidelines for Assessing Potential Workplace Violence
Why Representative Targets Attract Violence
Guidelines for Assessing Potential Attacks Toward Representative Targets
Case Studies on the Different Venues for Violence
Why Public Figures Attract Violence: The Reluctant Public Figure
Why Domestic Partners Attract Violence: "If I Can’t Have Him/Her…"
Why Gathering Places Attract Violence: "Thank God, This Is a Sunday…"
Why Workplaces Attract Violence: An Eye for an Eye
Why Representative Targets Attract Violence: "A Man Who’s Dangerous, Who’s Not Rational, and He Has Weapons"
Lessons Learned
On Cutbacks, Silos, Bunkers, and Myopic Management Strategies
Diminishing Access to Intervention Strategies
Information Silos (The Silent Silos)
Bunker Mentality (Bogus Bunkers)
Myopic Intervention Strategies
Case Studies on Cutbacks, Silos, Bunkers, and Myopia
Events Leading Up to April 16, 2007, at Virginia Tech
Events Leading Up to January 8, 2011, at Congresswoman Giffords’s "Congress on Your Corner" Event in Tucson, Arizona
Lessons Learned
Appendix A: Glossary of Threat Management Terminology
Appendix B: Association of Threat Assessment Professionals’ Code of Ethical Conduct
Index
Biography
Stephen W. Weston J.D., Frederick S. Calhoun