What is threat assessment?

Threat refers to the perceived possibility of harm or a statement or action conveying an intention to cause harm; a threat is inherently dynamic, changing over time, and context, changing in response to the environment.  Threat assessment is generally, the process of gathering information for use in making decisions.  Threat management is strategic, tactical, and logistical. A threat assessment team is a group of officials that convene to identify, evaluate, and negotiate threats or potential threats to the institution or its’ affiliates.

Assessment Steps:

1. Receive initial report.
2. Identify threatening individual.
3. Threats screened by team members.
4. Conduct assessment as to threat level/seriousness.
5. Develop action plan.
6. Assign team member(s) to follow up on implementation plan.
7. Follow-up. 
8. Repeat steps 4-7, as needed.

Team Meetings and our process

Formal meetings occur weekly and are organized and facilitated by the Co-Chairs. The Co-Chairs of the team are designated by the Vice President of Business Affairs and the Vice President of Student Life. The designees are currently the Dean of Students and the Assistant Director of the University of Florida Police Department’s Behavioral Services Division. Consultation between members is frequent.  If an issue arises that needs immediate consultation, the member of the team who receives the information notifies the Co-Chairs.  Members who are available convene either in person or via telephone.