requires that all public colleges and universities, including Old à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã University, maintain a Threat Assessment Team for the purpose of evaluating the risk of violence associated with certain behaviors of concern. These teams, made up of professionals from various fields, are a best practice in the prevention of targeted violence and widely endorsed by agencies like the FBI, Secret Service, and Homeland Security as an effective approach.
The Office of Threat Assessment develops policies, procedures, and training on identifying and preventing targeted acts of violence. The Threat Assessment Team is the body responsible for evaluating reports of concerning behavior and identifying mitigation strategies in accordance with those policies and procedures. The Office of Threat Assesssment ensures that case investigations, assessment, and recommendations are executed by subject matter experts.
Targeted violence refers to acts of harm or aggression directed at a specific individual, group, or organization. Unlike random or impulsive violence, it involves deliberate planning and intent to cause injury or damage to the chosen target. This can include threats, harassment, physical attacks, or even mass violence, often motivated by personal grievances, ideology, or other specific reasons.
Behaviors that may indicate a person is struggling, poses a threat to themselves or others, or is disrupting the campus environment should be reported. This includes threats, aggressive behavior, suicidal ideation, stalking, fixation on violence, and other concerning conduct.
Anyone—students, faculty, staff, or visitors—can report concerning behavior to the TAT. Your observations may be a critical piece of a larger picture.
Concerns can be reported through [insert reporting link or contact info], by contacting ODU Public Safety, or through appropriate campus offices such as Student Affairs or Human Resources.
The TAT will review the information, gather additional context if needed, and determine an appropriate response, which may include outreach, support services, safety planning, or coordinated intervention.
Yes, anonymous reports are accepted, although providing your contact information allows the team to follow up for more details if necessary.
Not typically. The TAT keeps reporter identities confidential to the extent possible, sharing information only with those who need to know to manage the situation appropriately.
While campus police handle criminal behavior and emergencies, the TAT focuses on early intervention and prevention of violence through behavioral assessment and support. The two work closely together when needed.
When in doubt, report it. Even small concerns may be part of a larger issue, and early intervention can make a big difference.
No. The TAT addresses concerns involving students, faculty, staff, and anyone affiliated with the university community.
The TAT does not assume that individuals referred to its process will engage in violent behavior. We understand that people may experience strong emotions such as anger, anxiety, or depression, which can lead to actions that don’t align with community standards. Speaking with a member of the TAT can help provide a clearer picture of your side of the situation. The goal is to understand, support, and work with you to address or resolve the issue. The TAT encourages openness, honesty, and cooperation throughout the threat assessment process.
Behaviors reported to the TAT may or may not lead to disciplinary measures. The TAT itself does not have the authority to impose discipline. Some members of the TAT, however, may have such authority within their respective roles at ODU. For instance, University Police may launch a criminal investigation, Employee Relations might evaluate workplace behavior, Student Affairs could review conduct violations, and Title IX handles reports related to sexual or gender-based harassment and other interpersonal violence. These investigations can happen alongside or following the TAT’s review.
No, the TAT cannot predict with certainty who will become violent. Their purpose is to identify potential risks by evaluating behaviors, circumstances, and warning signs that might indicate a threat of violence. They focus on managing and reducing those risks through early intervention, not on making definitive predictions about future violence.