In a proactive effort to combat targeted violence, the Secret Service has released a comprehensive guide designed for state and local law enforcement agencies. This initiative aims to equip officers with the tools necessary to identify and mitigate potential threats before they escalate into violent incidents.
While primarily known for its protective duties, the Secret Service also houses the National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC), which conducts vital research on incidents of targeted violence, including mass shootings. The center’s findings emphasize that many of these tragic events are preventable when concerning behaviors are recognized early. The newly released guide outlines a six-step framework for law enforcement agencies to establish effective behavioral threat assessment units.
According to Steven Driscoll, deputy director of NTAC, “This guide provides a structured approach for law enforcement on how to create behavioral threat assessment units aimed at preventing mass shootings and other targeted attacks. Our model draws on the Secret Service’s operational expertise and decades of research, which consistently shows that individuals who commit such acts often exhibit concerning behaviors beforehand.”
The six principles outlined in the guide include:
Establishing a Behavioral Threat Assessment Unit
Creating Operational Protocols
Identifying and Processing Concerning Reports
Information Gathering
Developing Risk Management Strategies
Promoting a Culture of Prevention
“This guide builds on existing efforts to prepare and train our community partners—educators, mental health professionals, and law enforcement—on how to identify, assess, and manage risks,” Driscoll added. “Together, we can prevent violence before it occurs.”
The Secret Service emphasizes that a behavioral threat assessment unit can be scaled according to resources; even a single officer can serve as a designated violence prevention officer tasked with gathering information and managing potential threats. Dr. Lina Alathari, head of NTAC, stated, “Our guidance allows for scalability, enabling agencies with limited resources to start small while still effectively addressing potential violence.”
To facilitate reporting of potential threats, the Secret Service recommends various channels such as smartphone apps, online forms, and dedicated email addresses for tips. The guide highlights notable cases like that of Nikolas Cruz, who exhibited alarming behaviors prior to the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2018.
Dr. Alathari noted that understanding common behavioral themes among attackers is crucial for risk assessment. “We have identified patterns in the behavior of past attackers that can help law enforcement recognize potential threats. For instance, have they made concerning communications or instilled fear in those around them? Have they shown an unusual fixation on mass violence? These indicators have been prevalent in previous cases involving school shootings,” she explained.
Through this initiative, the Secret Service aims to foster collaboration among law enforcement agencies and community partners to create safer environments by preventing targeted violence before it starts.
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