What is behavioral threat assessment and why does it matter in schools?

Behavioral threat assessment is an evidence-based process used to evaluate individuals who may pose a risk of violence and implement interventions before harm occurs. It is critical in school settings because it allows administrators and counselors to identify warning signs early and take targeted action. When done correctly, it has been shown to prevent school violence effectively.

Why is continuous improvement important in school threat assessment practices?

Schools face frequent staff turnover, which means threat assessment teams are often working with members who lack experience or up-to-date training. Additionally, the nature of threats evolves over time, requiring teams to adapt their methods. Regularly reviewing and refining processes ensures assessments remain accurate and interventions stay effective.

What qualifications should professionals have to conduct school threat assessments?

Effective threat assessment requires training from experienced professionals with deep knowledge of targeted violence, behavioral indicators, and intervention strategies. Dr. Randazzo emphasizes that quality training — not just any training — is a key determinant of outcomes. Credentials, practical experience, and grounding in established models such as the NTAC federal model are important markers of qualified practitioners.

Continuous Improvement in Threat Assessment...

Continuous Improvement in Threat Assessment Practices

In this episode of School Safety Today, host Michelle Dawn Mooney speaks with Dr. Marisa Randazzo about the importance of continuous improvement in behavioral threat assessment practices in schools. Dr. Randazzo draws on her extensive background — including a decade with the U.S. Secret Service — to highlight the need for quality training and ongoing evaluation of threat assessment processes. The conversation underscores how staff turnover and evolving threat landscapes make sustained improvement essential for preventing school violence.

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By theresa.sullivan · May 28, 2024, 9:00 AM UTCBehavioral Threat AssessmentDr. Marisa R. RandazzoMichelle Dawn MooneyPreventing School Violence

Key takeaways

Behavioral threat assessment is an evidence-based process schools must regularly evaluate and refine to stay effective.

Quality training by experienced professionals is essential for sound threat assessment and management outcomes.

High personnel turnover in schools and the evolving nature of threats make continuous improvement a necessity, not an option.

In this episode of School Safety Today by Raptor Technologies, Michelle Dawn Mooney sat down with Dr. Marisa Randazzo to discuss the importance of continuous improvement in threat assessment practices. Dr. Randazzo shares her extensive experience in threat assessment, emphasizing the importance of quality training and to regularly evaluate and enhance their threat assessment processes to prevent violence and address potential threats effectively.

Regularly evaluate and enhance their threat assessment processes to prevent violence and address potential threats effectively.

Key Takeaways:

Behavioral threat assessment is a critical, evidence-based process used by schools to evaluate and mitigate potential threats
Quality training by experienced professionals is critical for effective behavior threat assessment and management
The need for continuous improvement in threat assessment practices due to frequent turnover in school personnel and the evolving nature of threats

About the Guest

Dr. Marisa Randazzo is the Executive Director for Threat Assessment at Raptor Technologies. She brings extensive expertise and experience in threat assessment, threat management, school shootings, and other types of targeted violence and protective intelligence investigations. Previously, she co-founded and led SIGMA Threat Management Associates LLC and served as Executive Director of Threat Management at Ontic. Dr. Randazzo also served for ten years with the U.S. Secret Service, eventually as the agency's Chief Research Psychologist where she co-directed the Safe School Initiative and co-developed the NTAC model, also known as the "federal model" for school threat assessment. Dr. Randazzo is a recognized author of four influential books on threat assessment in educational settings, widely referenced in federal guides and national standards. She holds a Ph.D. and Master's degree from Princeton University and a B.A. from Williams College in Psychology and Religion. Currently, she also serves as Director of Threat Assessment for Georgetown University.