Human Threat Management Community

Making Prevention a Reality: Identifying, Assessing, and Managing the Threat of Targeted Attacks
This guide first addresses some important awareness aspects of the active shooter problem, not
the least of which is the term “active shooter.” The content of this publication does not begin and end
with active shooters, but instead applies to targeted violence generally. However, it does not specifically
address potential acts of terrorism, or threat assessment for violence perpetrated primarily in
furtherance of a political, religious, or other extremist cause or ideology. Planned violence, threat
assessments, violence and mental health, and barriers to successful prevention efforts are also
discussed. The guide then offers specific and actionable information on identifying, assessing, and
managing persons who pose a true concern for planned, targeted violence. Guidance about setting up
and running a threat management team is offered. Sample tools are provided in the appendices.
Additionally, this guide is context-neutral, and can be applied to educational, workplace, and other
situations.