Threat Assessment Team & Reporting Threats Procedure Policy

The purpose of the California Institute of the Arts’ (the “Institute”) Threat Assessment Team (TAT) is to provide a rapid response to heightened levels of imminent threats and concerns of violence. TAT is activated once the CARE, or any member thereof, identifies a potential threat to the safety of students, faculty, staff, visitors, or the campus itself, or once TAT is notified of such threats from any member of the Institute community or the general public. TAT handles the most escalated and imminent threat incidents and cases. While TAT and CARE often work in tandem with one another, TAT’s jurisdiction is narrower than that of CARE. Similarly, while TAT may work in tandem with the Institute’s Title IX Coordinator and the Institute’s Student Conduct Officer, its jurisdiction is narrower.

The Institute’s TAT is comprised of a subset of members of the CARE Team, CalArts administrators, and/or legal services. The configuration of the team is specific to the incident and the expertise relevant to the threat. The team monitors individuals who may be exhibiting escalating destructive behaviors that may challenge the wellbeing of the community. When it is determined that a credible threat may be present, the team will activate the Threat Assessment Plan and determine whether outside resources should be recruited to assist.

This document identifies the TAT, described reporting mechanisms, and gives guidance on recognizing and preventing threats.

The TAT team may include, but is not limited to, representives from Facilities Development & Management, Campus Safety, and Student Affairs.

The Institute community and third parties can report a concern by the following mechanisms:

Call Campus Safety at 661-222-2702 (ext. 2222 from a campus phone).

Submit a CARE Report.

Direct contact to a TAT Team member.
***In an emergency requiring immediate response, dial 911.***

It is imperative to the functioning of the TAT that any report received by an individual Team member be distributed to all Team members. It is every Team member’s responsibility to forward any report or potential report to the Chair of the Team.

This section is intended to provide guidelines to TAT once a report is received from an Institute community member or concerned third party. It is always expected that the TAT will adapt the guidelines to a specific situation, and the direction of the TAT Chair and additional TAT members.

Step 1: If the report is referred to the Team, the Team will meet to discuss, investigate, assess, and determine an action plan.

Step 2: The Team will assess the level of danger through various threat assessment tools, including the NaBITA Risk Rubric.

Step 3: Formulate an action plan and intervention, if possible.

Step 4: Involve other offices, staff, and resources, if appropriate.

Step 5: Develop a safety plan to resolve the conflict.

Step 6: Refer the subject to counseling or outside mental health services, as needed.

Step 7: Refer the subject to disciplinary process, as needed.

Step 8: Continue to monitor and follow up until the case is resolved or closed.

The TAT shall maintain confidential records for all threat assessment cases and all follow-up and reports that derive from threat assessment proceedings, to the extent possible. These records will be entered in a secure, protected, and searchable database that will have the capacity to monitor ongoing cases and provide longitudinal follow-up and assessment.

A standalone Threat Assessment Plan has been developed to provide guidelines for threat assessment and define the roles of TAT members. The team will develop intervention and support strategies and offer case coordination. The team will regularly review and assess these situations and recommend action in accordance with existing Institute policies. The Threat Assessment Plan serves as a model procedure for threat assessment and intervention and is the foundation for TAT.

The Institute promotes a safe and secure environment in which to learn and work by prohibiting threats or acts of violence by or against members of the Institute community. The Institute prohibits threats and acts of violence on any and all Institute properties (whether owned, leased, or operated), within Institute facilities, on or off campus (where appropriate). In addition, the Institute prohibits threats or acts of violence at any Institute-sponsored event; while engaged in Institute business, educational, performance or production; and while traveling in Institute vehicles. The Institute will also evaluate any conduct that occurs off-campus, outside of work, or outside the above-listed activities, when that conduct may impact health and safety of the Institute, student(s), faculty, or staff. The Institute reserves the right to take strong and preventive measures to prevent violence before it occurs.

Identifying Risks/Threats

A threat is an expression of an intent to cause physical harm to someone. The threat may be expressed/communicated behaviorally, orally, visually, in writing, electronically, or through any other means; and is considered a threat regardless of whether it is observed by or communicated directly to the target of the threat or observed by or communicated to a third party; and regardless of whether the target of the threat is aware of the threat. Threats may be direct (”I am going to beat you up.”) or indirect (”I’m going to get them.”).

Threats include, but not limited to, the following:

• Intentionally causing physical injury to another person;
• Engaging in behavior that creates a risk of physical injury to self or another person (e.g., stalking);
• Possessing or brandishing or using a firearm, weapon, or other device in violation of law or Institute policy;
• Intentionally damaging property;
• Threatening to cause injury to self or another person or to damage property; and/or
• Other conduct prohibited by law or Institute policies.

The following is not an exhaustive list, but provides examples of concerning behaviors or situations:

• Unusual or abrupt changes in behaviors or patterns;
• Extreme reaction to a loss or traumatic event;
• Preoccupation with weapons, violent events, or persons who have engaged in violent acts;
• Uncharacteristically poor performance, grooming, or affect;
• References to harming others or planning a violent or destructive event;
• Evidence of depression, hopelessness, or suicidal thoughts/plans;
• Inappropriate responses such as prolonged irritability, angry outbursts, or intense reactions;
• Strained interpersonal relations, isolating behaviors, or low self-esteem;
• Following or stalking, in person or electronically; and/or
• Significant change in life circumstances such as loss of job or relationship.

There are many behaviors and circumstances that may indicate an increasing risk for violence, significant disruption to others, or that the person is in need of assistance. Violence profiles list personality traits and behaviors associated with those who have used violence. Identifying at-risk characteristics can bring attention to a troubled individual or may suggest that the possibility of violence exists. While few of these individuals will commit violence, they should be closely monitored when several of the following behaviors accompany one or more of the personality traits.

Stressors

• Drug/alcohol abuse
• Extreme paranoia/suspicion
• Mental health issues
• Recent attacks to self-esteem
• Recent problems at home/school/work
• Social isolation

Behaviors

• History of aggression/violence/bullying
• Specific/detailed threats to harm another
• Destruction of personal and/or school property
• Recent attempts to secure weapons
• A pattern of poor interpersonal relationships
• Recent attempts/talk of suicide
• Involvement with hate groups or criminal gangs
• Frequently angry, easily frustrated

Violence prevention is best accomplished by interrupting the process. Maintaining a healthy campus environment and addressing minor violations of policy, lowering the risk of aggressive responses, and increasing the possibility of peaceful solutions.

Recognizing early warning signs can alert us that the process of violence may have begun and provide the opportunity to intervene before an individual becomes committed to violence.

The Institute strives to support community members impacted by threats or acts of violence, directly or indirectly by:

• Referring affected members to appropriate Institute and community resources, such as law enforcement, health care facilities, counseling services, etc.
• Providing supportive measures such as, additional time to complete assignments, Campus Safety Escort referral to Employee Assistance Program (EAP), etc.
• Cooperating with law enforcement and prosecutors in accordance with federal and state law.

Campus resources

Campus Safety
Room D100
(661) 222-2702
24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Student Health Services
Room D208
661-253-7830

Confidential student resources

• Confidential on-campus counseling services
• 24/7 crisis counseling line: 855-364-7981
  • dedicated to CalArts students only
  • Free and can be called from anywhere in the U.S.

Off-campus confidential resources (for staff and faculty):

Employee Assistance Program
Guardian Life EAP
(888) 482-7342