TAM

Question 1

Factors that provide stability; in threat assessment, can be used to provide support or stability to a subject who is struggling or represent reasons that an individual would not engage in targeted violence

Answer 1

Anchors

Question 2

This refers to the type, frequency and intensity of the subject’s attempts to be physically proximal (close) to the target…includes successful and unsuccessful attempts to approach the target.

Answer 2

Approach behavior

Question 3

the act of detaining someone in legal custody, usually by a law enforcement officer. The actual deprivation of a person’s liberty can be physical detention for a short or prolonged period of time in response to a criminal charge.

Answer 3

Arrest

Question 4

Specific behaviors that are needed in order to launch a physical assault on a target. These behaviors are displayed as steps on the pathway to violence

Answer 4

Attack-related behaviors

Question 5

An observable action that provides evidence of an underlying element that may be relevant to a threat assessment and management case.. a subject’s actions (e.g., talking to himself or herself) might lead the threat assessor to believe the person has a mental health disorder that influences the level of threat posed by that individual

Answer 5

Behavioral indicator

Question 6

Threat assessment orientation based on the idea that the subject will exhibit identifiable behaviors indicating the intent to commit an act of targeted of violence

Answer 6

Behavioral Threat Assessment

Question 7

observable, identifiable behaviors that an individual exhibits while he or she is progressing on the pathway of violence

Answer 7

Behaviors of concern

Question 8

An event that is rare, predictable only in retrospect, with extreme impacts

Answer 8

Black swan event

Question 9

A gap or break… a situation where usual security measures have been circumvented

Answer 9

Breach

Question 10

When an individual or group becomes defensive and surrounded by fortifications (real and virtual) to keep information in or detractors out…can lead to under- or overestimation of risk

Answer 10

Bunkers

Question 11

The continuous interaction between what is known and unknown in a particular case, and the evolving assessments used to determine the appropriate protective response at any given point in time

Answer 11

Situation/case dynamics

Question 12

In addition to known and unknown elements in case dynamics, this includes the intervention implemented by the assessor.

Answer 12

intervention strategy

Question 13

This is a process used to document the chronological history of evidence to maintain
the security, integrity and accountability of its handling.

Answer 13

Chain of custody

Question 14

“Circumstances, content and contextual factors” related to a subject’s inappropriate communication or contact

Answer 14

CirCon Factors

Question 15

Orders issued by a court to convince the subject to stop threatening behaviors or stay away from the target and are periodically employed as a threat
management intervention (e.g., restraining, stay-away, protective orders)

Answer 15

Civil actions

Question 16

Thinking; in more complex terms, it is the processes in the human mind involved in acquisition, storage, retrieval and processing of information.

Answer 16

Cognition

Question 17

Ability to perceive nuances or subtle differences. If high in this trait, usually sensitive to small changes in a task, activity, behavior or the environment; Sometimes referred to as intuition or street smarts. A person may have high this trait even with little formal education

Answer 17

Cognitive complexity

Question 18

The media used to transmit messages are referred to as ___________________.
Threat assessment uses this phrase when referring to the ways that information
about threatening individuals can be gained by threat assessment teams

Answer 18

Communication channels

Question 19

Safeguarding sensitive information, usually involving case intelligence or personal information.

Answer 19

Confidentiality

Question 20

The information contained and conveyed in the words, style and method of a threat

Answer 20

Content factors

Question 21

The situation and environment surrounding the subject or the target. These can be personal, organizational, or on a larger scale (e.g., economic climate, world
news, etc.).

Answer 21

Contextual

Question 22

A threat, direct or veiled, that is thought to be real, not just hypothetical. One test of whether a threat is ______ is the ability and intent of the entity posing the threat

Answer 22

Credible threat

Question 23

Any information which is collected, analyzed, or distributed for use in inhibiting or monitoring criminal activity.

Answer 23

Criminal intelligence

Question 24

Set of behaviors, attitudes, and policies that make it possible for people to work effectively across cultures. In threat assessment, it is having knowledge of differences and the ability to foresee how those differences may impact the investigation, analysis, or management of a case.

Answer 24

Cultural competence

Question 25

This is an unambiguous statement of threat to either the target or law enforcement detailing intention to commit an act of targeted violence

Answer 25

Directly communicated threat

Question 26

The cumulative effect an event can have when it initiates a succession of similar event. Used to describe the tendency for the loss of one inhibitor to affect other aspects of a subject’s life and create a downward spiral where other inhibitors are compromised as well.

Answer 26

Domino Effect

Question 27

This is a preattack increase in intensity (frequency and/or duration) or variety of warning behaviors, usually indicating an attack is imminent

Answer 27

Energy burst

Question 28

The sum of background factors (peer group, security, access to weapons, etc.) affecting the situation of both the subject and the target. This includes organizational or cultural factors that impact tolerance or reporting of behaviors on the pathway to violence

Answer 28

Environmental influences

Question 29

Violent action for which the impetus of the attack is born out of an ideological system, usually intended to enact some change or disrupt activities deemed unacceptable by followers of that ideology

Answer 29

Extremist violence

Question 30

Process of acquiring information and evidence (about the target, the subject, contacts, communication, past and present behavior, context) to support accurate and complete assessment of risks and the best way to defuse them

Answer 30

Fact finding

Question 31

Governs the gathering, maintenance, and accessibility of educational records. Schools need written permission from the student to release educational records to anyone other than the student.

Answer 31

Family and Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Question 32

Exceptions to FERPA

Answer 32

To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena, to appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies, and to state and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific state law. Observations or interactions with students.

Question 33

Prebreach preparations made by the person(s) posing a threat right before the threat is carried out. This can include acts like disseminating reasons for the attack or executing a last will and testament

Answer 33

Final act behavior

Question 34

Exceptions to HIPAA

Answer 34

The Privacy Rule permits use and disclosure of protected health information, without an individual’s authorization or permission, for national priority purposes to law enforcement officials under specific circumstances (See 45 C.F.R. § 164.512). Disclosure must also be made to someone believed to be able to prevent or lessen a threat or to law enforcement if the information is needed to identify or apprehend an escapee or violent criminal.

Question 35

Individuals who threaten to facilitate a personal relationship with the target; express infatuations/obsessions

Answer 35

Binder howler

Question 36

Individuals who are motivated to threaten individuals because of their high public profile.

Answer 36

Celebrity-seeking Howlers..this is an impersonal sinister type of howler

Question 37

Individuals who threaten as means of control over the target, usually a partner or family member.

Answer 37

Controller Howler..this is a personal sinister type of howler

Question 38

Individuals who threaten as a reaction to other threats or reports of violence.

Answer 38

Copycat Howlers…this is an impersonal sinister type of howler

Question 39

Individuals who threaten as a means to further a personal cause.

Answer 39

Crusader Howlers…this is an impersonal sinister type of howler

Question 40

Individuals who threaten as a result of delusional relationship (or potential relationship) with the target.

Answer 40

Deluded Howlers…a personal binder type of howler….

Question 41

Individuals for whom delusional content plays a direct role in their threats They don’t want a relationship but the delusions are causing threats.

Answer 41

Delusional Howlers…this is an impersonal sinister type of howler

Question 42

Individuals who threaten in order to implicate a third party as the perpetrator of the threats.

Answer 42

Dirty-trickster Howlers…this is a personal sinister type of howler

Question 43

Individuals who make threats on a continual basis, much like a hobby

Answer 43

Habitual Howlers…impersonal sinister type of howler

Question 44

Individuals who threaten someone they do not know.

Answer 44

Impersonal Howlers

Question 45

Individuals who threaten as a way of intimidating the target, who is typically a member of one of their social circles (e.g. supervisor, coworker, teacher, classmate).

Answer 45

Intimidator Howlers..this is a personal sinister type of howler

Question 46

Individuals who threaten as an attempt to continue a relationship that the target wishes to end it.

Answer 46

Maintainer Howlers…a personal binder type of howler….different from Seeker bc a maintainer wants to CONTINUE a relationship that’s ended and seeker wants to ESTABLISH one

Question 47

Individuals who threaten someone they know - seek to control targets - physical intimidation

Answer 47

Personal Howlers

Question 48

Individuals who threaten as a means to establish an intimate relationship with the target, even when the target has repeatedly rebuffed them.

Answer 48

Seeker Howlers….a personal binder type of howler….different from Maintainer bc a maintainer wants to CONTINUE a relationship that’s ended and seeker wants to ESTABLISH one

Question 49

Individuals who are just happy to communicate - the communications forge the relationship - seek to become lover, relative, or friend of a public figure

Answer 49

Relationship howler…a type of impersonal binder

Question 50

Individuals who have a mental illness and believe that the public figure sends them messages through their daily activities or destiny will bring them together

Answer 50

Delusory howler…a type of impersonal binder

Question 51

Individuals who don’t realize the inappropriateness of their communication with the target

Answer 51

Callow howler…this is a type of impersonal binder

Question 52

Individuals who threaten as a defensive reaction to a perceived threat or attack from the target.

Answer 52

Self-defender Howlers….this is an impersonal sinister type of binder

Question 53

Individuals who threaten in order to scare, cause anxiety, or intimidate the target

Answer 53

Sinister Howlers

Question 54

Deliberate actions taken by a human against another human with the intention of causing harm.

Answer 54

Human-on-Human Violence

Question 55

Individuals who intend to follow a path toward violence and behave in ways to further that goal

Answer 55

Hunters (aka biters)

Question 56

Individuals who, though they have inappropriate, bizarre or threatening contact with the target, never intend on following a path to violence

Answer 56

Howlers (aka Barkers)

Question 57

Entertaining ideas specific to the utility and acceptability of violence as a means to address the subject’s particular grievance

Answer 57

Ideation

Question 58

Thoughts of the necessity and utility of violence by a subject that are made evident through behaviors such as researching previous attackers and collecting, practicing, and fantasizing about weapons

Answer 58

Identification

Question 59

This is an act of spontaneous violence often sparked by situational or contextual triggers

Answer 59

Impromptu violence

Question 60

Contact or communication with the target that is unwanted and intended by the subject to further the motives behind the threatening behavior. Contact can be written, verbal, or behavioral in nature and delivered in a variety of ways. These may be perceived by the target as intimidation, harassment, threatening, or out of context

Answer 60

Inappropriate Communication or Contact

Question 61

Careful consideration of converging evidence in a case to ascertain the level of threat posed and progress toward violence.

Answer 61

Information Analysis

Question 62

Process of obtaining information from all available sources to inform the analysis and decision making in a threat assessment

Answer 62

Information Gathering

Question 63

Facilitation of the flow of information among entities responsible for a case so that all parties have access to current, relevant information on which to base decision making

Answer 63

Information Sharing

Question 64

Refers to information or knowledge that is kept
separate, is tightly controlled, and is not shared.

Answer 64

Silo Effect (stovepipe effect)

Question 65

Anything that serves to decrease the likelihood that a subject’s behavior will escalate to an act of targeted violence (e.g., familial bonds, strong friendships, or employment); sometimes referred to as buffers

Answer 65

Inhibitors

Question 66

Individual with access to a facility or organization who uses that access to disrupt or cause harm to the organization or others involved with that organization

Answer 66

Insider threat

Question 67

What are the criteria for intended violence?

Answer 67

Intent to commit the act….selecting an attack mode that ensures injury, death, or property damage….and a motive that does not profit the attacker.

Question 68

Purposeful questioning of a subject to obtain accurate, useful, and timely information relevant to an investigation

Answer 68

Interrogation

Question 69

The action taken in implementation of a threat management strategy (e.g., interviewing, monitoring, etc.)

Answer 69

Intervention

Question 70

Potential conflict between the intervention applied and its effects on the POC’s inhibitors and stabilizers.

Answer 70

Intervention Dichotomy

Question 71

The case dynamic intensified by the stimulus of what the threat manager or target does or does not do in response to the threat situations

Answer 71

Intervention Synergy

Question 72

Range of levels of confrontation with the subject of a threat management case

Answer 72

Intervention Vectors

Question 73

Strategies to engage a subject in the interview in order to elicit information

Answer 73

Interview approach

Question 74

Plan for the goals and approaches to an interview (e.g., deciding what information will be sought, how the subject will be redirected, where the interview will take place, etc.)

Answer 74

Interview Strategy

Question 75

An active process of seeking out and finding information relevant to a threat assessment case.

Answer 75

Investigation

Question 76

Any verbal interaction between a law enforcement officer and a civilian for which the purpose is gathering information

Answer 76

Investigative Interview

Question 77

JACA

Answer 77

justification – alternatives – consequences – ability

Question 78

The subject’s decision to end his or her life can lead to an act of targeted violence as a means of attaining fame or martyrdom in addition to their suicide attempt

Answer 78

Last resort

Question 79

When a subject shares information with a third party that reveals clues related to his or her thinking, planning, or execution of an act of targeted violence

Answer 79

Leakage

Question 80

Generally, what 2 criteria must be met for a mental health/civil commitment?

Answer 80

(1) the person must have a mental disorder and (2) the mental disorder contributes to dangerousness regarding threat to self or others

Question 81

Threat management interventions that are dynamic and involve real-time observation of a subject’s behavior and/or movements through means such as surveillance or wiretapping.

Answer 81

Active monitoring

Question 82

Threat management interventions that involved the use of non-intensive methods of tracking subject’s behavior, such as having a third party
report on conduct.

Answer 82

Passive monitoring

Question 83

Style of management that focuses on short-term goals with immediate payoffs at the expense of strategies with superior but distant payoffs

Answer 83

Myopic management

Question 84

New acts of violence committed by the subject
that are unrelated to his or her planned act of targeted violence

Answer 84

Novel aggression

Question 85

Acts of intended violence involving general or nonspecific selection of victim

Answer 85

Opportunistic Violence

Question 86

Threat of a direct nature, describing a possible future act against the target (e.g., I will kill you)

Answer 86

Overt threat

Question 87

Sum of the physical protective measures (e.g., key locks, security guards, security cameras, etc.) designed to detect, mitigate, or eliminate a
threat

Answer 87

Physical security

Question 88

Act that is planned for by the attacker and does not involve reactive emotional components or an imminent threat to the attacker. It is
sometimes referred to as instrumental, premeditated, proactive, or cold-blooded
violence.

Answer 88

Predatory violence

Question 89

Behaviors associated with this include acquiring weapons, assembling equipment, arranging transportation, observing significant dates, rehearsing, conducting final act behaviors, or costuming

Answer 89

Preparation

Question 90

Process of gathering detailed information surrounding an inappropriate communication or contact. This information is used to create safety plans for the target.

Answer 90

Protective Fact Finding

Question 91

In threat assessment and management refer to strategies that employ measures comparable to the level of risk presented by the subject

Answer 91

Proportionate Responses

Question 92

Actions taken in response to a criminal act or imminent threat to secure the target and ensure the target’s safety

Answer 92

Protective Response

Question 93

Conversion of a follower of a legitimate belief system to an extremist ideology based on that system, often with the intent of using them to commit or support a future act of violence.

Answer 93

Radicalization

Question 94

Establishing a sense of connection between the interviewer and the interviewee to facilitate communication and information sharing

Answer 94

Rapport Building

Question 95

Refocusing the subject’s attention away from the target and toward another person, organization, or activity (e.g., toward the threat assessment
professional or law enforcement agency)

Answer 95

Redirection

Question 96

Seeking information about a target to facilitate an attack. This can include any number of dimensions, including surveillance of the target, Internet searches, and testing security around the target.

Answer 96

Research and Planning

Question 97

Began in systems engineering. Used as a
phrase that encompasses a process through which options for decreasing risk are considered along with the potential outcomes associated with their implementation, both positive and negative.

Answer 97

Risk Assessment

Question 98

Recognizing the limits of knowledge, experience, and capabilities that one possesses and performing only functions within the boundaries of professional training and duties.

Answer 98

Scope of Practice

Question 99

A cluster of behaviors, including unwanted communication, approach, or other contact, usually intended to threaten, harass, coerce, or intimidate the target into meeting the demands of the perpetrator.

Answer 99

Stalking

Question 100

A threat management intervention that involves direct contact with the subject for information gathering, refocusing or redirecting the subject, and warning or confronting the subject.

Answer 100

Subject Interview

Question 101

Actively but unobtrusively observing a subject to gather information about their activities and whereabouts

Answer 101

Surveillance

Question 102

Probabilities of risk at the extreme ends (tails) of a normal distribution. In threat assessment, this pertains because targeted violence has a very low rate of occurrence; however, the risk should not be underestimated based on statistical probability that it will or will not happen.

Answer 102

Tail Risk

Question 103

A deliberate, justified decision to assign a case inactive status.

Answer 103

Take No Further Action at This Time

Question 104

Violent incidents involving an identifiable subject (perpetrator) who possesses the intent and potential to cause harm to an identifiable target.

Answer 104

Targeted Violence

Question 105

Act of violence or threats of violence used to further the agenda of the perpetrator while causing fear and psychological distress.

Answer 105

Terrorism

Question 106

Using a reliable third party to exercise control over the subject or unobtrusively monitor his or her behavior

Answer 106

Third Party Control or Monitoring

Question 107

A fact-based method of assessment/investigation that focuses on an individual’s patterns of thinking and behavior to determine whether, and to what extent, he or she is moving toward an attack on an identifiable target

Answer 107

Threat Assessment

Question 108

A condition in which the individual believes he or she is not in control of his or her actions, but instead is being commanded by an outside, usually malevolent

Answer 108

Threat/Control Override

Question 109

The entirety of the steps taken to identify, assess, and manage a threat assessment case. This includes developing, implementing, and monitoring a thorough plan unique to each subject and situation that includes protective measures for the intended target

Answer 109

Threat Management Process

Question 110

A coordinated plan of direct or indirect interventions with the subject that, based on
current information regarding level of threat posed, is designed to defuse the risk in a given situation at a particular point in time.

Answer 110

Threat Management Strategy

Question 111

An event or action that initiates a defensive/emotional response of some type. It moves the person along the path to violence.

Answer 111

Trigger

Question 112

Threat of an indirect nature, vaguely describing the possibility of negative consequences for the target

Answer 112

Veiled threat

Question 113

Locations in which violence occurs or could potentially occur, including (but not limited to) workplaces, residences, and schools.

Answer 113

Venues of Violence

Question 114

Working with the target to determine what a potential victim knows and needs to know, and how he or she finds out about the subject’s behaviors. Providing too much information can unnecessarily cause distress for the victim, while not presenting enough can lead to unsafe situations.

Answer 114

Victim Management

Question 115

The process by which a subject focuses on a target for his or her intended violence. This can include specific selection or opportunistic victims that happen to be at the location of an attack or included in some broad group which the subject has a grievance.

Answer 115

Victim Selection

Question 116

An intentional act of harm.

Answer 116

Violence

Question 117

The nature and intensity of violent rhetoric included in inappropriate contacts and
communications

Answer 117

Violence Content

Question 118

Continuous investigative and analytical process of evaluating an individual’s probability of committing an act of violence based on personal and situational variables by an individual qualified (through training, experience, or education) to make risk determinations and recommendations for response, management, and mitigation of that risk.

Answer 118

Violence Risk Assessment

Question 119

Reliable factors that have an established correlation with violent crime

Answer 119

Violence Risk Factors

Question 120

A broad determination by a threat management team as to whether individual’s behavior shows cause for concern and thus threat management procedures should be initiated.

Answer 120

Violence Risk Screening

Question 121

The process of forming and entertaining thoughts about violence as an acceptable means to address a grievance.

Answer 121

Violent Ideation

Question 122

According to Homeland Security definitions, it refers to degree to which a target is at risk for attack or disruption.

Answer 122

Vulnerability

Question 123

Unobtrusive monitoring of the subject to see if he or she will take additional actions in relation to the target

Answer 123

Watch and Wait

Question 124

Interview involving a third party, usually to inquire about information concerning threatening behaviors or contacts by the subject, or background information on the subject’s past or current behavior or mental status.

Answer 124

Witness Interview

Question 125

Two studies that found offenders did not threaten their targets directly but displayed identifiable behaviors prior to..

Answer 125

1) Exceptional case study project…shootings of public officials and figures from 1949-1994…included completed shootings and those who approached with lethal means and intent…all others excluded
2) Safe School Initiative…school shooting cases from 1974-2000

Question 126

When assessing for potential violence, focus on ______ and avoid the clinical tendency to ______

Answer 126

behavior…..diagnose

Question 127

frequency of events in certain population over a certain period of time

Answer 127

base rate

Question 128

people who report others’ concerning behaviors

Answer 128

upstander

Question 129

What is a threat?

Answer 129

Expression of intention to inflict injury or damage

Question 130

1) Content
2) Context
3) Circumstances

Answer 130

1) words or deeds used
2) before, during, and after a threat is made
3) Surrounding facts – method of delivery, relationship between threatener and target, type of target

Question 131

Over ___% of men who murdered their intimate partners explicitly threatened to do so beforehand

Answer 131

70

Question 132

Availability bias

Answer 132

assigning the most importance to behavior which immediately comes to mind

Question 133

Foresight bias

Answer 133

an unrealistic ability to predict future events

Question 134

What’s the difference between pathway to impromptu violence and pathway to targeted violence

Answer 134

targeted violence has the stages of research/planning & preparation

Question 135

Both impersonal and personal howlers can be _____ or ____

Answer 135

Sinister or binding

Question 136

Individuals who have a mental illness and believe that the public figure sends them messages through their daily activities or destiny will bring them together

Answer 136

Delusory howler…a type of impersonal binder

Question 137

The four Case Mgmt designations by Calhoun and Weston

Answer 137

1) Active
2) Inactive
3) Chronic/Habitual - repeated inappropriate approaches, frequently multiple targets over extended period of time but never escalates
4) Long-term - remains relatively low risk but worth keeping an eye on.can be passive or active (watch and wait)…doesn’t keep making inappropriate approaches towards targer

Question 138

Three most fundamental steps of a threat assessment and mgmt

Answer 138

1) Identify
2) Assess
3) Manage

Question 139

An active shooter is..

Answer 139

An individual killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area

Question 140

Calhoun and Weston’s Law of Communications

Answer 140

Difficulty in maintaining close communications increases in direct proportion to the increase in the number of people and organizations involved

Question 141

What are two approaches to assessing the subject’s stakes?

Answer 141

1) JACA…all four have to be “yes” to be considered high risk
2) Discerning the subject’s degree of emotional or mental investment..spectrum of reactions:
a. nothing is at stake
b. normal acceptance
c. mild loss
d. much to lose
e. everything to lose

Question 142

In addition to known and unknown elements in case dynamics, this includes the intervention implemented by the assessor.

Answer 142

intervention strategy

Question 143

Why didn’t Calhoun and Weston categorize hunters like they did howlers?

Answer 143

1) Determining to which category a hunter belongs may not be so clear until the latter stages
2) The category is not as important as how far along the pathway to intended violence they’re on

Question 144

When something happens that causes a howler to become a hunter

Answer 144

last straw syndrome

Question 145

sequential, reciprocal response pattern, in which interactants adjust to each other’s behaviors

Answer 145

symbolic interactionism

Question 146

A summation of any threatening communications or warnings made by most school shooters studied.

Answer 146

Signaling the attack

Question 147

There is evidence that alcohol is significantly lower in …

Answer 147

those individuals engaged in targeted violence than those in impulsive violence

Question 148

an artifact which claims the completion of a targeted violence attack or describes the motivation for it.

Answer 148

legacy token

Question 149

Anything in the person’s life that causes tension or anxiety, like an upcoming job performance review, chronic pain, unhappy home or work environment

Answer 149

Stressor

Question 150

Multiple precipitating events can lead up to a ….

Answer 150

last straw event

Question 151

A significant gap of information about which the threat assessor is aware but has not yet obtained…regarding silos this is called….

Answer 151

a known-unkonwn

Question 152

A facet of a case the threat assessor is not aware exists….this is…

Answer 152

an unknown-unknown

Question 153

How long does the FBI recommend before retiring a case?

Answer 153

18 months

Question 154

In ___ % of school shooters, researchers found the attacker told at least one person beforehand? In what percentage of cases did at least two other people know before hand?

Answer 154

81% and 59%

Question 155

The safe schools initiative found that how many mass attackers exhibited a history of suicide attempts or suicidal thoughts at some point prior to the attack?

Answer 155

78%

Question 156

What percentage of offenders between 2000-2013 committed suicide after the attack in a study of 160 active shooters?

Answer 156

50$

Question 157

The RAGE V is applicable to both ___ and ____ sectors

Answer 157

public and private