University Policy Support for Threat Assessment: A Case Analysis of Public Higher Education Institutions in One U.S. State

• Published in: Journal of threat assessment and management 2024-12, Vol.11 (4), p.218-228
• Main Authors: Camacho, Kristine A., Petkewich, Jill, Dwyer, Christina, Kaniu, Christina
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Colleges; Female; Higher Education; Human; Male; Policy Making; Threat Assessment; Written Communication
• ISSN: 2169-4842; 2169-4850
• DOI: 10.1037/tam0000207

Utilizing case study methodology, we examined the written threat assessment policies of all public, 4-year higher education institutions in one U.S. state. We found that only five of the 11 institutions had written threat assessment policies in place. Those institutions that did have policies in place often did not include all of the best practice recommendations for effective threat assessment policies as indicated in the threat assessment literature. Specifically, we found that team compositions often did not include representation from all areas of the campus community, that there were inconsistencies in how reports were made, and that guidelines were not clear as to how campus officials would work with outside agencies to provide support to individuals affected by threatened violence. The implications that this case study has for policy development and practice will be discussed. Public Significance Statement There are best practice policy recommendations within the threat assessment literature for university campuses. Since there is often a gap between research and practice, it is important to research how best practices from the literature are implemented within policy in the field. This study examined the degree to which best practices were implemented in one U.S. state, and findings suggest that many of the best practices found within the threat assessment literature are not recognized in university policy demonstrating the need for ongoing advocacy and reform for effective policy at the local level.