Page 8 - TPA Journal September October 2022

I need to be clear in stating that even with situational awareness, training, and by having
a behavioral threat assessment and management team, acts of violence may still occur.
Training in these areas does not make the community or its first responders fortune tellers.
Many individuals who plan to carry out acts of targeted violence display threats or
observable behaviors that may concern others. Recognizing these threats or changes in
behavior can assist members of the community, in keeping the community safe. The ability
to identify potential warning signs and understanding where to seek assistance, can help
in preventing acts of targeted violence, such as, but not limited to, terrorism, school
shootings, or attacks in public spaces.

I believe that the message, “See Something, Say Something in 2022” means training our
first responders and our community partners in what and how to report intelligence that
not only mitigates threats but manages threats in a collaborative manner that creates layers
of safety resources. These partnerships create avenues for intelligence sharing where
everyone has an active responsibility to mitigate violence which is the “big picture.” This
further expands the community caretaking and crime prevention role of our police officers
to document intelligence at the line level and to take action on it with direct referrals to
identified stakeholders.

If the officers who contacted the three 9/11 terrorists had been trained and provided
intelligence related to behavioral indicators and intelligence consistent with an eminent
attack, they would have very likely taken action to prevent the attack. Tip lines, apps, and
community education campaigns are excellent methods to educate the community on
what to look for and how to report. Partnerships and agreements with community
stakeholders from disciplines outside of public safety should be established as resources
and there are guides and training opportunities to make these programs work in every
community.

If you are interested in learning more about creating a behavioral threat assessment and
management team in your community please visit: https://www.dhs.gov/nter or email me
at mike@archangelleadership.com

Mike Davis is the 2022-2023 TPA President.
He is an Assistant Professor of Instruction at the University of Texas at San Antonio and
is a Sergeant Investigator with the Bexar County Criminal District Attorney’s Office in
CID.

4 www.texaspoliceassociation.com • (512) 458-3140 Texas Police Journal