Practical Methods of Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management in K-12 schools

Presented by Dr. Dewey Cornell, Ph.D.

The Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG) is an evidence-based BTAM program that is widely used in U.S. and Canadian K-12 schools. This presentation will cover how the CSTAG is carried out in practice followed by a summary of new research evidence from 23,000 cases demonstrating how we know it works. CSTAG is conducted by a school-based multidisciplinary team following a 5-step decision tree designed to distinguish threats of violence that are not serious (transient) from threats that are serious (substantive). Within the allotted time, there will be videos demonstrating the CSTAG assessment process.  

 

THE USE OF THREAT ASSESSMENT IN THE REMOVAL OF A HIGH-RISK OFFENDER FROM CANADA

Presented by Darren Balsom

This case presented involved numerous complex aspects that required threat assessment at many stages along with case management and investigation.  We will discuss a very complex assessment that was utilized to (1) maximize officer and community safety, (2) facilitate removal from Canada (as per the laws of Canada) and (3) safely physically remove this man from Canada. Presentation goals include: (1) realize the role that threat assessment can have outside of the "normal" law enforcement expectations and (2) how threat assessment can impact many other areas not often considered when writing a police authored threat assessment.  Attendees will learn to utilize partnerships and think outside the box.

 

Comprehensive Safety Assessment and Planning for Threat Assessment Professionals

Presented by Dr. Kelly Watt, Ph.D.

Victim safety planning is a critical management strategy for all threat assessments but has not been given the attention it deserves. Sometimes little or nothing can be done to reduce risk by working with a perpetrator, but often much can be done to increase safety by supporting victims. The importance of comprehensive safety assessment and planning has only become more relevant due to the increase in the prevalence and severity of intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and stalking. This presentation will discuss challenging issues and promising practices related to comprehensive safety assessment and planning with the use of case examples. 

 

Violent Antisemitism Today: The Threat toward the Jewish Community in North America and Beyond

Presented by Molly Amman, JD, CTM

Antisemitism has skyrocketed around the globe, now reaching nearly every sphere of life in North America and beyond. From the sweeping rationalizations of extremist movements to niche conspiracy theories to “just plain” hate by lone individuals, the presenters are tracking this snowballing driver of threats and violence for the Secure Community Network, the official safety and security organization of the Jewish community in North America. Join them for an unparalleled view of antisemitism as it stands today in relation to threat assessment and management including real-world cases, trends and statistics, behavioral analysis, and application of recent advances in empirical research.

 

Risk and Responsibility Regarding Self-directed Violence in Non-Traditional Sectors: Workplaces and Higher Education

Presented by Dr. Brianne Layden, Ph.D.

There has been increased attention paid to self-directed violence (SDV) across sectors in recent years, particularly within non-traditional settings (e.g., higher education and workplace). The legal landscape for threat assessment professionals is changing, and our responsibilities with respect to assessing and managing self-directed violence are being clarified and bounded by these changes. This presentation will draw from real case studies from corporate and educational sectors to illustrate the use of structured professional judgment (SPJ) approaches to identifying, assessing, and managing risk for SDV to meet professional responsibilities and engage in best practices in the prevention of SDV.

 

The Corporal, Conspiracy, and Countertransference: Threat Management Challenges with a Domestic Terrorist

Presented by Dr. Matt Talbot, Ph.D.,LCSW, CCFC, CFMHE, CTM

What if the person you were tasked to help was once willing to end your life? What if this person had also once served to defend your freedom? This 2018 case study describes such a situation facing a healthcare organization with a policy that prohibits banning patients from care under any circumstances, and how various agencies worked together under the guidance of the internal behavioral threat assessment and management team to disrupt and manage the potential threat actor. The presentation focuses largely on the management aspects of the case, and how these strategies were directly informed by using a structured approach to risk assessment. As well, the case discussion serves to debunk popular myths regarding military service members, mental illness, and violence risk, and how to show deference to authority when managing fear-based responses. Attendees will be shown the video footage that prompted one Canadian bystander to notify local US authorities of their concerns, a video that offers a glimpse into an acute psychiatric crisis and this mans frightening shift from ideation to fixation to identification in real time. While the threat targeted a healthcare facility, the case offers threat management considerations applicable to any setting and the criticality of having broad community partnerships to support these efforts before they are needed. 

 

Criminal Acts & Civil Suits: The Role of Security Experts in Civil Litigation Arising out of Violent Crime

Presented by Bronwyn Martin, LLB, & Dr. Alasdair Goodwill, Ph.D.

Victims of violence are increasingly turning to the civil justice system for compensation.  When this occurs, courts look to individuals with expertise in risk and threat assessment, criminology, and law enforcement to help determine liability. This presentation will demonstrate how CATAP members can assist the court, and what it means to be an expert witness.

 

Enhancing Information Sharing and Collaboration with the National Fusion Center Association (NFCA): The Role of Threat Liaison Officers and the Threat Management Team

Presented by Randy Wagner & Nick Silva 

The premise and mission of this presentation is to educate attendees in regard to the 80 intelligence fusion centers based in the United States. These recognized fusion centers are part of the National Fusion Center Association (NFCA) which promotes effective, ethical, and lawful intelligence and information sharing and the prevention and reduction of the harmful effects of crime and terrorism on victims, individuals, and communities. More specifically, we will expound on our Threat Liaison Officer program at the NCRIC which collaborates with the FBI's Threat Assessment/Threat Management (TATM) Team to identify, intercept, and mitigate threats.

 

The Gazette Newspaper Targeted Attack - Social Media Analysis, Target Dispersion, and a Misanthropic State of Mind

Presented by Dr. Reid Meloy, Ph.D., & Julia Kupper

On June 28, 2018, lone-actor Jarrod Ramos conducted a mass shooting at the Capital Gazette newspaper office in Annapolis, Maryland, killing five and injuring two. This talk will focus on the findings of a study that is currently authored by Dr. Reid Meloy and Julia Kupper, with a focus on the application of the TRAP-18 to the pre-attack behaviors of the assailant; a forensic linguistic analysis of his Twitter activity (2011-2018); evidence of target dispersion as a risk accelerant; the phenomenon of "going dark" prior to an incident; and the devolution of personal ideology into a misanthropic state of mind.

 

Radical Insider Risk (RIR) Assessment Guide

Presented by Tracey Wood, Ph.D.

The increase in insider threats, leakers, and incidents of workplace violence has created an unprecedented need for individuals to conduct threat assessments to improve organizational risk assessment processes. The Radical Insider Risk (RIR) Guide was developed and peer reviewed by a team of threat assessment SME Psychologists across the United States Intelligence Community. Join the lead developer, Dr. Tracey Wood to learn the purpose, method, and use of the RIR Guide to assess ten empirically identified factors linked to increase risk of extremist-motivated action. Factor items, concepts, rating examples, and supporting background will be provided, along with interview strategies. 

 

OH, CANADA! ADPATING A U.S. CORPORATE THREAT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM FOR CANADIAN PRACTICE

Presented by Dr. Russell Palarea, Ph.D. and Heather Foster

Walmart’s Threat Management Team in collaboration with Dr. Russell Palarea will present on their Threat Management Program and discuss a sensitive case study that illustrates the program at work. Walmart has overcome several challenges, and our next endeavor is to formally take our program beyond national borders, starting with Canada. Walmart Canada started with 16,000 associates in 1994, now with more than 100,000 associates coast-to-coast and over 400 facilities. The Walmart Threat Management Team consults ad hoc on the most egregious cases, not part of the embedded process. Walmart has a top-tier U.S. focused program that isn't globally established, however nearly every newsworthy event impacts Walmart in some way. This presentation will delve into our past achievements and our limitations as we chart our future course, with Canada being our immediate focus.

A Near Miss on the Hilltop: Brian Jackel Case Study

Presented by Malcolm McGuire, MADR, CFE

This is a case study of a former graduate student who was arrested after making credible threats toward university officials.  The former student was in a rehabilitation facility when he confided in a roommate his detailed plans to lure several university officials into a room and kill them.  The case study will cover the steps taken to investigate the threats, but also to provide the former student with the assistance he needed regarding his mental health.

 

The Dark Side of Online Communities: Understanding Undue Influence and Brainwashing in Destructive Online Groups

Presented by Julie Jones

While many online groups are positive and supportive, there is a growing number that have a much darker side. These groups use deception, brainwashing and hypnotic tactics to manipulate and control their members, leading to devastating consequences for individuals and families. In this presentation, we will explore the ways in which these groups operate and the techniques they use to exert influence over their members. We will also discuss the psychological and emotional impact of being caught up in a destructive group and how to help victims escape from harmful individuals and groups in cyberspace. 

 

*Speaker lineup is subject to change