What is the Threat Assessment Team (TAT) and the Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT)?
The Threat Assessment Team, or TAT, is a multi-disciplinary assessment team that reviews significant alarming or threatening behavior and makes recommendations to the Emergency Management Policy Group. The EMPG advises the president of The University of Alabama as appropriate.
The Behavioral Intervention Team, or BIT, is a group sponsored by the UA Division of Student Life comprised of representatives from the Dean of Students Office, Housing and Residential Communities, the Office of Student Conduct, the UA Counseling Center, UAPD, the Office of Threat Assessment, the Title IX Office, the Office of Academic Affairs, and Human Resources. An attorney from the Office of Counsel serves as an ex-officio member to provide legal advice to the BIT. The BIT meets regularly to review alarming or concerning behaviors from students and provides early intervention and support to those who present behavioral concerns.
Why does UA have a Threat Assessment Team?
The University of Alabama has a team to allow campus officials from different departments to address concerning behaviors and act quickly to prevent targeted acts of violence.
Who serves on the Threat Assessment Team?
The Threat Assessment Team is made up of representatives from the Office of Threat Assessment, UAPD, the Department of Public Safety, the Division of Student Life, the Office of Academic Affairs, Human Resources, and the Psychology Clinic. An attorney from the Office of Counsel serves as an ex-officio member to provide legal advice.
How does threat assessment differ from "profiling"?
Profiling is commonly used as an investigative tool after a crime is committed to describe the type of person likely to commit that particular crime. Threat assessment is designed to be a preventative process used to identify warning signs and intervene before someone commits a crime.
Does the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) prohibit UA from disclosing student information as it relates to an active threat?
No. FERPA allows for the sharing of any information related to an ongoing concern for the safety of others.
Why do I matter to the Threat Assessment Team?
You matter to the team because you interact with people on campus and can notice a change in their behavior. A change in behavior is one of the first indicators that something is wrong and the person needs assistance.
What should I do if I'm not sure if my information is important enough to share?
If you have any information, please share it with UA authorities promplty. Even if it seems unimportant, it might help connect the dots with other incidents. The Threat Assessment Team aims to spot and prevent any potential violence before it happens. Your input could make a big difference.
What are some behaviors that could indicate someone needs help?
See Do Your Part
Who do I tell if I'm concerned about someone?
See Who to Call
Who can report a concerning behavior?
Anyone can report a concerning behavior, and our team encourages you to share any information you have. You may feel like you don't have all the information, and that's OK. Our team will gather all the relevant information and help the person if needed. The earlier you share your information with us, the more resources we have to assist the person you are concerned about.
Do I need evidence or proof that something is wrong with someone before I report a concerning behavior?
No, you do not need to have evident or proof to share a concern. Oftentimes, if something doesn't seem right or you have a gut feeling that something is wrong, your concern should be shared. The team will review the situation and act in the best interest of the person.
How do I identify a violent person?
You don't need to identify a violent person. All you need to look for is a change in someone's behavior that seems odd or unusual for that person. See Do Your Part for a list of potential concerns that someone might need assistance.
What if I'm wrong about the person?
The team will review all concerns that are shared. If your concern turns out to be nothing, nothing will happen to the person and nothing will happen to you.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY RESOURCES
Still have questions? Contact us at threatassessment@ua.edu.