Threat Assessment Team
Threat Assessment Program
The Threat Assessment Team (TAT) consists of two full-time Threat Assessment Specialists (TAS) and representatives from The University of Iowa Police Department (UIPD), Organizational Effectiveness (OE), University Student Services, University Counseling Service, General Counsel, and Faculty and Staff Services (FSS). This group meets regularly and is responsible for both program development and case management functions. When a case is active, other University faculty, staff, employees, and other agencies may be involved, as appropriate, for the duration of that specific case.
Roles and Responsibilities
Threat Assessment Specialists
The Threat Assessment Specialists (TAS) are the primary contacts for the University Community concerned with behaviors and situations which have a potential for violence. Jointly serving as the Threat Assessment Specialists for The University of Iowa are Jane Caton, License Independent Social Worker (LISW), Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), University Human Resources and Lieutenant Peter Berkson, The University of Iowa Police Department. The initial contact is typically made with the Threat Assessment Specialist in person, via phone, and/or email.
The Threat Assessment Specialist is responsible for:
- receiving the referral.
- implementing/coordinating the threat assessment process.
- discerning trends or patterns of threatening behaviors.
- providing outreach to the UI campus and surrounding communities as appropriate.
- providing education and training for employees, faculty, staff and students.
Threat Assessment Team Members:
- collaborate with the Threat Assessment Specialists in policy and procedure development.
- convey information about persons or situations and/or circumstances surrounding the referral.
- offer expert opinion on the generalities of active cases.
- advise on issues related to Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
- provide case specific legal guidance.
- assist in response to emergencies.
Threat Assessment Process
If you see any warning signs or experience any type of threatening behavior, contact TAT immediately. A specialist will receive a referral and implement the following process:
- Respond to report as soon as possible, typically within 24 hours
- Review and identify the subject(s) of concern
- Collect available information
- Interview subject(s) of concern as appropriate
- Assess whether subject(s) is an imminent threat to self or others and take appropriate action
- Develop specific intervention/prevention strategy
- Facilitate meetings with UI Staff regarding the situation on an as needed basis
If the report is not seen as appropriate for Threat Assessment Team (TAT), the Threat Assessment Specialist (TAS) will coach the caller about the situation and make an appropriate referral.
Reporting Threats/Contact Us
If you see any of the warning signs or experience any type of threatening behavior, contact the Threat Assessment Team (TAT) immediately.
During normal business hours, please contact Lieutenant Peter Berkson at 384-2787, or Jane Caton, Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW), Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), at 384-2955. You can also e-mail uitat@uiowa.edu about any concerns. TAT will respond as soon as possible, typically within 24 hours of the initial contact.
If you wish to report an incident outside of normal business hours, please call The University of Iowa Police Department at 335-5022.
An anonymous report can be filed by going to: http://police.uiowa.edu/be-proactive/report-a-crime-on-campus-2/