Program Overview
The University of Iowa established the Threat Assessment Program (TAP) in 2008 in response to the Iowa Board of Regents’ Comprehensive Safety and Security Policy (Chapter 11) which includes a charge to provide comprehensive threat assessment and management services. The TAP combines expertise in the areas of law enforcement, mental health, student services, faculty/staff services, legal services and organizational effectiveness.
The Threat Assessment Program has three components:
MISSION
The Threat Assessment Program is dedicated to the early identification, assessment and management of incidents and behaviors that threaten the safety and well-being of the university community.
GOAL
The goal of TAP is to provide an integrated and coordinated process for identifying and responding to students, faculty, staff and other individuals who may be at risk of harming themselves or others.
Achieving this goal involves the following:
- Respond to reported concerns.
- Intervene as necessary to reduce risk and/or manage the threat.
- Review cases with a multidisciplinary team to identify concerns and develop case specific intervention and management strategies.
- Collect and organize information to facilitate better communication. Analyze information, discern patterns, and follow-up as appropriate.
- Provide education and training to faculty, staff and students in how to identify and report concerning behaviors and incidents that may need further assessment.
Updated February 2013