In today’s environment, the question for schools, workplaces, healthcare settings, and public agencies isn’t whether a concerning situation will emerge—it’s whether we have the systems in place to recognize risk early and respond effectively. Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) is a structured, evidence-informed approach that helps organizations identify, assess, and manage potential violence before it escalates.

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At ThreatWise Solutions, we help teams transition from reactive crisis response to proactive prevention—with training, evaluation, and practical implementation support that strengthens both safety and organizational confidence.

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What is Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM)?

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BTAM is a team-based, systematic process for identifying individuals of concern and intervening to reduce risk and enhance safety. Unlike approaches that rely on “profiles” or stereotypes, BTAM focuses on observable behaviors, communications, and situational factors—what the person is doing, saying, and experiencing that may signal movement toward harm.

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Most importantly, BTAM is not about labeling someone as dangerous. It is about understanding what’s driving the behavior, assessing the level of concern, and developing a plan that integrates accountability, support, and ongoing risk management.

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Why BTAM works

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Decades of research and operational lessons show that targeted violence is rarely impulsive. In many cases, there are warning behaviors, concerning communications, and opportunities for intervention—if organizations know what to look for and how to respond.

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BTAM works because it:

• Creates a shared process for evaluating concerns (instead of fragmented opinions).

• Enhances communication and coordination across departments and disciplines.

• Replaces “wait-and-see” with structured decision-making and documented action plans.

• Supports a balanced response that addresses both safety and well-being.

 

The BTAM process: Identify, Investigate, Assess, Manage

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ThreatWise Solutions teaches a practical framework that aligns with how effective threat management teams operate in the real world:

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1) Identify
Recognize and report concerning behaviors early—threats, violent language, fixation, escalating grievances, significant behavioral changes, intimidation, stalking patterns, interest in weapons, or “leakage” (indirect or direct disclosure of intent).

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2) Investigate
Gather information to determine whether the individual may be on a path toward violence. This includes collecting collateral sources, documenting timelines, and clarifying context—while following policy, privacy rules, and due process.

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3) Assess
A multidisciplinary team evaluates the nature and seriousness of the concern and determines the risk level (e.g., low, moderate, high, imminent). The assessment considers factors such as intent, capability, stressors, stabilizers, access to means, and escalation patterns.

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4) Manage
Develop and implement an individualized plan to reduce risk. Management may include monitoring, coordinated support services, administrative actions, family engagement, safety planning, or law enforcement involvement—aimed at reducing the likelihood of harm and improving stability.

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Building a culture of prevention

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BTAM is more than a written policy—it’s a culture. Strong programs are built on the following:

• Training staff to recognize warning behaviors and report appropriately

• Clear protocols for documentation, communication, and decision-making

• Defined team roles and reliable information-sharing pathways

• Partnerships with mental health providers, community resources, and law enforcement

• A consistent approach that encourages reporting without stigma or overreaction

 

When implemented well, BTAM strengthens organizational trust, improves early intervention, and helps teams respond with confidence—before situations become crises.

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How ThreatWise Solutions can help

ThreatWise Solutions provides:

• BTAM training for schools, higher education, workplaces, healthcare, and public-sector teams

• Threat assessment program evaluation (gap analysis, policy review, readiness assessment)

• Threat management consultation for active cases and complex situations

• Support for team formation, protocols, documentation systems, tabletop exercises, and sustainability planning

 

Ready to strengthen prevention in your organization?
Contact ThreatWise Solutions to discuss tailored training, evaluation, and consultation for your environment.