Threat Assessment and Behavior Intervention Teams

A threat is a concerning communication or behavior that indicates an individual may pose a danger to the safety of college employees or students through acts of violence or other behavior that would cause harm to self or others. Threats may be expressed behaviorally, orally, visually, in writing, electronically, or through any other means. Threatening behaviors include:

• Directly communicated threats of harm
• Communicated threats of harm to a third party
• Overt physical or verbal intimidation
• Bullying that continues after interventions to stop the behavior
• Making inappropriate statements about physically or psychologically harming others
• Research, planning or submitting class assignments related to carrying out current or future violence
• Stalking, including cyberstalking (engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to: 1. fear for their safety or the safety of others; or 2. suffer substantial emotional distress.)
• Physical violence or throwing objects with intention to cause harm toward a person(s) or property
• Possession of weapons on college property or at college activities
• Any statements or behaviors indicating suicidality (see reporting procedures below)

Deisinger, G. (2021)

For emergency situations or immediate assistance (24 hours a day, 365 days a year), please contact the MV Police Department by:

• Picking up a Red Phone in any campus facility. This is a direct line to the campus police.
• Accessing a Blue Light located in campus parking lots and other campus outdoor areas. This is a direct line to the campus police.
• Pushing the “panic button” on any classroom phone. This is a direct line to the campus police.
• Calling the MV Police Department by dialing extension 5555 from any campus phone.
• Calling the MV Police Department by dialing (708) 974-5555 from your cell phone.
• You can always dial 911 in an emergency.

If a potential threat is not imminent, complete the Incident Reporting form found here, or contact the Chief of Police or the Dean of Students.

Any statements or behaviors indicating suicidality that are not imminent should be reported directly to Counseling at (708) 974-5722.

The Threat Assessment Team will review the case utilizing a systematic approach designed to:

1. Identify situations and/or subjects of concern
2. Investigate and gather information
3. Assess the situation
4. Manage the situation and mitigate harm
5. Monitor and re-assess the situation

We rely on the college community to help maintain a safe and secure environment at all times. Therefore, college employees and students are expected to cooperate with any requests from the Threat Assessment Team relative to successfully monitor any threatening behavior.

Confidentiality of complaints and parties will be preserved to the greatest extent possible, understanding that the college may have an obligation to take some action even if the complainant is reluctant to proceed. Parties and witnesses to a complaint are also expected to maintain confidentiality of the matter, understanding that they will often not have all of the facts and that they could impair the investigation by divulging information to persons outside of the investigatory process. Additionally, documents that are created and maintained as part of a student’s educational record are subject to the protections of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act; and documents that become part of an employee’s personnel file are subject to protections afforded by Human Resources procedures.

Retaliation against persons who in good faith report concerns/violations or cooperate in an investigation is strictly prohibited. Additionally, filing knowingly false or misleading reports and providing knowingly false or misleading information in an investigation is also strictly prohibited. Appropriate disciplinary action can result from any of these acts.

The Chief of Police (708-974-5365) or the Dean of Students (708-974-5390) are available for consultation if you are not sure if a referral is appropriate. For immediate assistance contact the MV Police Department (708-974-5555). Current Threat Assessment Team members include: