What Is a Threat Assessment? Definition, Process, and Real Examples

CrisisWire
Sep 29
2 min read

A student writes a violent message online. An employee makes threats after termination. A patient lashes out in a hospital corridor.

These moments leave leaders asking: “Is this just anger — or a real danger?”

That’s where threat assessment comes in: a structured process for evaluating whether a threat is credible, what risk it poses, and how to intervene before harm occurs.

The Problem: Why This Issue Exists

Too many leaders still rely on intuition instead of structured assessment.
Zero-tolerance policies punish without context, missing root causes.
Fragmented communication between HR, security, IT, and staff lets warning signs slip through the cracks.

Without a system, institutions are left vulnerable — either overreacting to jokes or ignoring genuine threats.

What Is a Threat Assessment? Definition, Process, and Real Examples

Case Studies / Real-World Evidence

Columbine, 1999: Missed warning signs highlight the cost of ignoring patterns.
Hospital Sabotage, 2023: A fired IT staffer gained access to medical devices after no structured insider threat assessment.
University Threat Case, 2022: A professor received repeated anonymous threats; only after structured analysis was the perpetrator identified.

For more official guidance, see FBI’s School Safety Resources.

Actionable Fixes (The Playbook)

1. Define Threat Assessment Clearly

A process to evaluate, categorize, and manage threats before escalation.
Based on behavior, context, and intent — not just words.

2. Build Multidisciplinary Teams

Include security, HR, mental health professionals, and leadership.

3. Use Established Models

C-STAG for schools.
MOSAIC for workplaces and public figures.

4. Document & Follow Protocols

Every case must be logged with rationale — vital for liability and future learning.

For practical frameworks, see The Threat Assessment Handbook, which includes step-by-step team protocols.

Leadership Responsibility

Leaders must embrace threat assessment as core to safety, continuity, and liability protection:

Schools safeguard students and avoid lawsuits.
Hospitals protect patients from both insider threats and cyber-physical attacks.
Corporations preserve reputation and meet insurance demands.

As emphasized in The Prepared Leader, leadership isn’t about reacting — it’s about preparing.

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