Department of Public Safety
Tufts Threat Assessment & Management
Tufts Threat Assessment & Management

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Recognize the warning signs and file a report.

    In emergencies: get to a safe place and see the Contact page for emergency numbers.

    If it’s a non–emergency, contact University Police, email TTAM, or submit a report (anonymous reporting available) through our threat assessment and management reporting system hosted by Awareity.

    Even if you are questioning or unsure, it’s always better to talk to someone about a person or situation of concern. Translation services are available to assist in information-gathering procedures if necessary.

  • All TTAM team members have received professional training in threat assessment and management. Common basic training helps to ensure consistency in procedures used in assessing these critical situations.

  • Anyone who is aware of someone who poses a potential threat to the Tufts community can make a TTAM referral; including students, parents, employees (faculty and staff), and Alumni.

  • The TTAM Manager or designee will contact you to gather a fuller picture of your concerns. He or she will likely ask you who else may have information about the concern for more perspectives. TTAM may need to follow up with a referral source more than once as information becomes known. If, with the initial available information, the matter appears to require further assessment, intervention, and/or monitoring, the case will be screened in and the case will be managed by the multidisciplinary team. The person of concern will likely be contacted about the concern, however reporting information will be kept confidential whenever possible.

  • If the team determines that the community member’s behavior warrants intervention by the team, the community member will be contacted and instructed to participate in an assessment.

  • No. Tufts University is sensitive to concerns related to retaliation against individuals who in good faith report acts of violence, concerning behavior or statements, or potential threats, or who participate in an investigation under this policy. Retaliating against a person who has made a report under this policy or who has participated in an investigation is prohibited. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, ostracizing the person, pressuring the person to drop the report or not participate in the investigation, or taking other adverse action against the person. The University will respond to and investigate all reports of retaliation. An individual who engages in retaliation under this policy will be subject to discipline in accordance with the University’s student and employee disciplinary policies, as applicable.

  • TTAM team members are responsible for treating their work confidentially. While a TTAM team member cannot promise confidentiality during the intake or reporting process, information will be shared only with those who need to know. TTAM members may not disclose confidential material to anyone outside of the TTAM process unless the team determines that disclosure is warranted because the individual receiving the information is a university official or emergency responder with a need to know. If you are concerned that your information has not been treated with this discretion, we encourage you to contact us immediately.

  • You don’t have to make this determination; TTAM will do it for you. The most critical step is that you report the concern.

    If you are comfortable doing so, you can also tell the individual who is exhibiting worrisome behavior that you are concerned and ask if s/he needs help. If they do, you can refer them to the below list of services for students and employees:

    For students

    For employees (faculty and staff)

    Typically, threats, either explicit or implied, or threatening behavior that poses a threat to safety qualify as TTAM referrals.

Important Tip

TTAM can never promise confidentiality to a community member or a referral source during the referral or assessment and management process. We make every effort to maintain confidentiality with sensitive information and protect the privacy of those involved.