Many behaviors and circumstances can indicate an increasing risk of violence, significant disruption, or a need for assistance. Determining the significance of any single behavior or circumstance can be challenging. Therefore, the threat assessment process reviews the situation in the context of all known facts.
Violence, especially when targeted at an individual, often arises from the interaction of four factors: subjects, targets, environments, and precipitating events.
Examples of Warning Signs
Subjects
Subjects who may escalate to disruptive or violent action may exhibit some of these behaviors or characteristics:
- Attempts to harm themself or commit suicide
- Unexplained increases in absenteeism
- Decreased performance in work or academics
- Resistance to change or reasonable limits
- Over-reaction to changes in policies or procedures
- Extreme or sudden changes in behaviors
- Numerous conflicts with others
- Difficulty learning from past behaviors or experiences
- Displays paranoia or distrust
- Alienates others or isolates themself
- Makes statements indicating they approve of using violence to resolve a problem
- Identifies with or idolizes people who have engaged in violence toward others.
Targets
Targets may have vulnerabilities that make them attractive as a potential victim. Some of these vulnerabilities could be:
- Unclear or inconsistent expectations
- Consistency of travel, movement, or patterns
- Denial even when a clear threat has been posed
- A passive orientation to safety
- Ease of access
Environment
An environment that facilitates, permits, or does not discourage violence can promote the formation of a threat. This could include:
- Chronic unresolved conflict
- High perceived levels of stress
- Toleration of aggressive or hostile interactions
- Perceived distrust or devaluing
- An existence of a pecking order or cliques
Precipitating Events
Reactions may be triggered by precipitating events such as:
- Losses, such as of a job or income, status, or a relationship
- Perceived rejection or injustice
- Being ostracized by others
- Health problems
Precipitating events may be real, perceived, or anticipated by the subject.
These examples of behaviors and circumstances can help you identify potential concerns during daily interactions. They are not all-inclusive and should not be used as a checklist.
If you have concerns over an individual’s behavior, notify the University’s Threat Assessment Team by calling UAPD at 205-348-5454 or by using the contact information on the Who to Call page.