Threat Assessment Process

The following outline of potential TTAM activities is intended to provide insight into some of the options that may, among other strategies, be utilized by TTAM teams when they are assessing and managing potential threats. It is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive or exclusive list, a mandatory procedure, or a “checklist.” TTAM teams will assess and manage each situation in accordance with their best judgment on a case-by-case basis and applicable University policies.

• Any University department or office that becomes aware of threats or threatening behavior is strongly encouraged to report such a concern to TTAM as soon as this information becomes known.
• When information is received by a TTAM team, the Chair of the TTAM team or designee may, in consultation with others as necessary and appropriate, assess the reported information and determine whether to convene the TTAM team and/or initiate a fuller inquiry, as circumstances dictate.
• The TTAM Chair or designee will first determine whether there is an imminent threat of harm or another emergency that requires immediate police intervention. If so, the TTAM Chair or designee will notify the Tufts University Police Department or local law enforcement, seek emergency medical assistance, or take other appropriate measures to address the imminent threat or situation.
• If there does not appear to be an imminent threat of harm, the Chair or designee may conduct an initial screening to determine whether a full inquiry is warranted.
• If the TTAM team determines that there does not appear to be an emergency or imminent threat of harm, but that a full inquiry would be warranted given the facts, available information, and circumstances of the case, the TTAM team may conduct a full inquiry to determine whether the person or situation of concern may pose a threat of violence.
  • As part of its inquiry, the TTAM team may obtain information from multiple sources including, but not limited to, faculty, student life staff, coaches, family members, or others who may have relevant knowledge or information. Campus community members are encouraged to cooperate fully with and provide information to the TTAM team.
  • In general, the person of concern will have an opportunity to provide the team with input regarding the circumstances of the case. TTTAM will, however, consider when or whether such an opportunity will be provided in light of overall safety considerations and the circumstances of a particular situation.
• If the TTAM team determines that the person or situation poses a threat of violence or other harm, it may then develop, coordinate, monitor, and document a management plan in consultation with relevant University offices and processes, designed to intervene and reduce the risk of harm that may be posed by the individual. The management plan may or may not include, but is not limited to, the following (as circumstances and resources may dictate): family notification; law enforcement intervention; disciplinary review/action; behavioral contract; voluntary referral for mental health evaluation/treatment; continued participation in the Tufts community contingent upon mandated psychological assessment or other medical treatment, and/or coaching; voluntary or involuntary withdrawal from the University; separation from the institution; modification of the environment or other reasonable accommodations to mitigate risk; collaboration with the identified alleged target(s) to decrease vulnerability; engaging with the person of concern to de-escalate the situation; and ongoing monitoring.
  • If the TTAM team determines that the person of concern does not pose a threat, the team may take no action or may opt to monitor the person or situation for a period of time and re-evaluate the case, as necessary.
  • In cases where an appropriate level of assessment indicates that a report involves a person who poses a threat to self only, the matter will be referred to the Dean of Student Affairs for students and Human Resources for employees. In cases where available information suggests that the person may pose a threat to others or to self and others, the TTAM team will remain involved and will involve other officials or offices as appropriate. In cases where a referral is made, the TTAM team may be re-involved as necessary and appropriate.
  • Cases handled by the TTAM team may remain open until it appears that a management plan is no longer necessary.
• The TTAM team will participate in periodic training and conduct periodic reviews of outcomes of situations where the TTAM team has been involved.