When a student or colleague displays a concerning behavior, it’s often difficult to know how to respond in a way that protects their privacy while also preserving their well-being.
That’s where the University of Iowa’s Threat Assessment and Care Team can be a helpful resource.
Contact the Threat Assessment and Care Team
Email: uitat@uiowa.edu
Phone: 319-384-2955
The Threat Assessment and Care team combines expertise in the areas of law enforcement, mental health, student services, organizational effectiveness, employment law, and other legal issues to provide an integrated and coordinated approach for early identification, assessment, and management of incidents and behaviors that threaten the safety and well-being of the university community. It was established in 2008 in response to the Iowa Board of Regents’ Comprehensive Safety and Security Policy.
The intent of the program is to protect the safety of individuals and their co-workers or classmates by connecting them with appropriate resources when they are identified as displaying warning signs.
“Safety is always our top priority, and our program is dedicated to the early identification, assessment, and management of incidents before they become unsafe,” says Jane Caton, manager of the UI’s Threat Assessment and Care Team. “Just because a concern is reported does not necessarily mean legal or punitive action is the appropriate response. We are focused on identifying behavior and implementing interventions that may help lead someone off the path of violence.”
When a report is made to the Threat Assessment and Care Team, specialists respond as soon as possible (typically within 24 hours), identify the subject of concern, collect all available information, and interview witnesses and the subject(s) of concern, as appropriate, to determine the proper action to take and develop an intervention or prevention strategy.
But a key component of the team’s success depends on individuals reporting concerns as they arise.
“By studying past violent incidents, we know offenders often tell another person about their plans before following through,” says Eli Hotchkin, threat manager and detective with the UI Police Department. “Unfortunately, we can’t prevent violent incidents if people don’t report their concerns. That’s why we listen, support, and encourage people to report threatening behavior when their intuition tells them to.”
How to report a concern
If you see any suspicious or threatening behavior, please contact the Threat Assessment and Care Team.
Such behavior can include:
- Threatening or harassing phone calls or emails
- Threatening to bring a weapon to school or work
- Verbal wishes about death, killing, or suicide
- Verbalizing a violent plan
- Hallucinations
- Exhibiting isolating or withdrawn behavior
For more information about warning signs, visit https://hr.uiowa.edu/tat/warning-signs.
For more information on reporting threats, visit https://hr.uiowa.edu/tat/reporting-threats.
Other resources: https://hr.uiowa.edu/tat/resources