What is Threat Assessment Team?
The Threat Assessment Team (TAT) is a group of trained professionals from different departments across campus who discuss and evaluate behaviors of concern that could precede a violent event. This could be violence to self, others, campus, or the Radford community. This team addresses behaviors of concern and provides resources to help keep the Radford campus a safe working and learning environment.
Why does Radford University have a Threat Assessment Team?
Radford University has a team to allow campus officials from different departments to address concerning behaviors and act quickly to prevent targeted acts of violence. The Team was established in fall 2007. This Team also meets the requirements of Virginia State Code §23-9.2:10.
Who serves on the team?
Please see the About Us section.
When does the team meet?
The Team meets as needed for specific situations.
What is the difference between TAT and BCT?
Threat Assessment Team convenes as needed when there is information that there may be a more immediate threat of harm. The Behavioral Consultation Team meets weekly to consider a much more broad range of behaviors.
What is the Behavioral Consultation Team (BCT)?
The Behavioral Consultation Team (BCT) is a focused team of inter-disciplinary administrators which receive referrals regarding students that have come to public attention and may be in distress. The team tries to pro-actively identify, assess, manage and reduce/resolve the stressors. The BCT does not provide direct service to those students who have been identified; rather its role is to determine effective strategies for addressing the concern and identifying the responsible parties for enacting those strategies.
Why does Radford University have a BCT?
The purpose of the Behavior Consultation Team (BCT) is to provide a system of intervention and support for students who may be emotionally, socially and/or academically at risk. The BCT was created in fall 2007 as a result of a recommendation from the Risk Advisory Committee. BCT is a focused team of inter-disciplinary administrators which receive referrals regarding students that have come to public attention and may be in distress. The BCT convenes weekly during the semester with additional meetings called as needed.
If I am concerned about a situation when should I share what I know?
You should share what you know when you feel the individual needs intervention or assistance. The earlier information is received, the more options there are to assist the person you are concerned about.
What do I do if I am concerned about someone? Who do I tell?
Please see our contact information.
What do you do with the information I provide?
After the initial information is received the BCT sees if additional information is available about other concerning behaviors being displayed by the person you are concerned about, then assesses the behavior of person whose actions may present a concern, and if appropriate or needed, recommends interventions through appropriate campus offices and services. Some cases will require no further action, and some cases will be monitored.
When will I receive an update or feedback about the situation?
As the reporting party, you can expect that someone will contact you about your concern to see if you have additional information. Due to the confidentiality of most cases, it is likely that only minimal information can be shared with you. But as a reporting party, you serve an important role in the monitoring of the situation because of your interaction with the subject. We would like to have you as a partner in this process to inform us of the actions of the person and, when appropriate, if a case management plan with the individual appears to be working. If you have shared a concern, and see no change in behavior, or continue to be worried about the situation, please contact the Behavioral Consultation Team Facilitator: BCT@radford.edu or (540) 831-6297.
Should I talk to the person first and tell them that I am sharing my concern?
No, you do not need to tell the person you are sharing information. Let the BCT review the situation, and talk with him/her if necessary.
Will the person know that I shared information about him/her? I don’t want him/her to think I tattled.
We try to keep your identity private, but cannot guarantee total confidentiality. The BCT, in conjunction with the Radford University Police, will work with you to ensure your safety through the process.
Can I make an anonymous report?
By providing contact information, we can contact you to let you know we are addressing your concern. You are encouraged to identify yourself because you can assist the BCT if clarification or additional information is needed. Anonymous entries will be evaluated based on the information provided but often do not provide enough or complete information. Incomplete information may not allow the individual to receive the help or resources needed.
What if something happens off campus that I concerned about?
If you are aware of concerning behavior happening off campus that could affect the
safety of the Radford University community, please share your concern with the Radford
University Police or the Radford City Police.