Pre-Event Violence Planning: Indicators and Behaviors
In these unprecedented times it remains important to stay vigilant and if you see something, say something. This is a summary from a portion of the recent Federal Bureau of Investigation, Office of Private Sector, document “Multi-Agency Partners Collaborate to Mitigate Community Violence.”
The
occurrence of a violent incident is generally represented as the culmination of
a gradually escalating behavior pattern from a troubled person. Certain
behaviors and actions can help when evaluating a threat of impending violent
behavior. However, organizations should evaluate the totality of aggressive
behavior, message delivery, and other relevant circumstances when forming a
threat assessment or a notification to law enforcement.
Below
are certain behaviors and actions that are common in pre-event violence
planning:
Recent
and significant grievance, injustice, personal loss, or humiliation; real or
simply perceived.
Statements/behaviors
which seem to indicate end of life planning or an interest in destructiveness.
Contextually
inappropriate behavior, intense interest in previous violent attacks or mass
shootings.
Sudden
withdrawal from life patterns, absence from work without explanation, failing
to appear for an appointment, cessation of medications.
Sudden
onset of impulsive, reckless behaviors that may suggest desensitization,
dehumanization, or a lack of concern for future consequences.
Fixation,
pre-occupation, or efforts to physically approach an apparent target/victim;
stalking, evidence of items left for the target (such as flowers), evidence of
surveillance, or attempts to breach or circumvent protocol, safety or security
measures.
Recent
acts of experimental aggression, including trespass, animal cruelty, or
vandalism.
Drastic
changes in appearance such as a shaved head, a large number of tattoos,
contextually inappropriate law enforcement or military costuming, sudden weight
loss or gain, cessation of hygiene, or a sudden unkempt appearance.
Preparation
of statement, leakage warning behavior to a third party, or farewell writings,
including social media manifestos, or videos.
Additional Resources
United
States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Behavioral
Analysis Unit. 2017 “Making Prevention a Reality.” A practical guide on
assessing and managing the threat of targeted violence and contains concrete
strategies to help communities prevent targeted violence. https://www.fbi.gov/file-repository/making-prevention-a-reality.pdf/view
As
always, if you “See Something, Say
Something”. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report
suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).
