Threat Assessment

The Emory Threat Assessment Team uses a multi-disciplinary, collaborative, objective and evidence-based approach to identify behaviors that may be indicative of a threat to the safety and well-being of members of the Emory enterprise. Once behaviors of concern have been identified, the team develops intervention strategies and management plans to mitigate risk and enhance safety within the Emory enterprise.

Our philosophy is to identify potential concerns in their early phases and work towards maintaining a safe and secure environment. 

Reports to the Threat Assessment Team can be submitted through the Threat Assessment Public Reporting Form. In any situation where a person may pose an immediate risk of harm to self or others, please call Emory Police at 404-727-6111 or 911.

Warning Signs

Making the decision to report a potential threat can be difficult. At the same time, we all have a shared responsibility to identify and report concerning behavior. What we see may be one piece of a much larger pattern of behavior. By reporting what you know, you help inform decision-making. We’d much rather hear about concerns, evaluate them, and offer support services than not hear about an individual or situation until a crisis.

What Should Concern You?

There is no comprehensive list. Warning signs can manifest themselves in many forms: one-on-one settings, group interaction, public behavior, letters, emails, blogs, websites, social networking sites, photos, phone calls, or text messages are just some examples. Here are some examples of behavior that might prompt you to make a report:

• History of threats or violent acts (during employment or criminal history)
• Threats, bullying, or threatening behavior
• Verbal abuse or harassment
• Harboring grudges/inability to handle criticism
• Chronic, unsubstantiated complaints about persecution/injustice
• Obsessive intrusion/unwanted romantic pursuit
• Erratic, impulsive, or bizarre behavior generating fear
• Homicidal or suicidal ideation
• High degree of emotional distress
• Apparent impulsivity/low tolerance of frustration
• Fascination with weapons, violence, revenge
• Any behavior that instills fear or generates concern
• Note newly acquired behaviors, sudden behavioral changes, and context

(ASIS International. Workplace Violence Prevention and Intervention. American National Standard. ASIS/SHRM WVPI.1-2011. Alexandria, VA: ASIS International. 2011.)

It is always a good habit to trust your intuition, especially when dealing with a potentially threatening situation. Listening to your gut and reporting a person or situation that is of concern to you is critical to preventing violence. It is natural to rationalize or deny that a concern or threat may exist. Remember, you may only be seeing one part of a larger picture, and coming forward may be critical for bringing awareness to a potential threat.