Threat Assessment

Threat Assessment Teams (TAT)

We live in an age where some people try to impose their feelings and beliefs, or express their frustrations by causing harm to others. This harm may consist of physical damage such as an assault, shooting, or other form of violence. Harm can also be less physical in the form of identity or intellectual property theft, computer infiltration, sabotage, or other emotional pressures.

The role of a Threat Assessment Team (TAT) is to evaluate the risks posed by outside interference to the safe operation of an organization. An organization can be an office, a government building, an educational institute, or a manufacturer. The Team must take into consideration not only the immediate or physical harm an intrusion can cause, but also the damage to the organization’s customers, its reputation, or its very existence. Teams such as this are set up to perform risk assessments, often called Enterprise Risk Management, identify exposures, develop response plans and training, and even develop a business recovery and continuity plan should such an event occur. They look at how each segment of an organization interacts and how a threat to one area can affect other areas.

There may also be a need for a local, state or federal authority to develop plans for the safety of their jurisdictions and citizens. There may be locations that have special significance for a community and may be seen as a target for someone trying to make a statement.

The composition of a Threat Assessment Team can vary from organization to organization. In a corporation, there should be representation from senior management as well as the employees, facilities management, finance, and environmental safety and health (EH&S). In a community TAT, the police and fire departments are definite members as well as healthcare and members of the community.

There are currently no specific safety regulations for this kind of exposure, but an employer is required to provide a safe and healthful workplace for employees. Assessing threats to the organization is part of this requirement.

To get more information on the applicability of this program for a specific County operation please contact the corresponding departmental Safety Coordinator.

For further information on specific regulatory guidelines please refer to the link(s) below.

Workplace Security and Violence Prevention

Threat Assessment Teams (FBI)

Threat Assessment Teams in Schools (United Education)

Threat Assessment Guide (USPS)