In this feature, reprinted from Psychology Today, Reid Meloy identifies the commonalities that all extremist ideologies share. As threat assessors, his formulation informs our understanding of the link between beliefs and violence. Reid Meloy, Ph.D.Fall, 2021 We are awash in reports of extremist beliefs, extremist groups, acts of terrorism, and threats from the left and the right.  Concerns about extremism …

Philip Saragoza, M.D. & Stephen White, Ph.D.Spring, 2021 In this feature, we discuss the challenge of identifying conspiracy theorists who pose a risk of violence – a topic we will address in our upcoming workshop, Violent Extremism, 2021: A Threat Assessment Update, May 10-13. On Christmas day, 2020, in downtown Nashville, Tennessee, lone actor Anthony Warner detonated a bomb from …

Stephen White, Ph.D.Winter, 2021 In this feature, Stephen White discusses workplace trauma – the impact of life-threatening violent incidents on employees and an organization, and what leadership can do to support recovery and restore business functioning. The recent attack on the US Capitol and its myriad implications is the subject of intense national attention. Impassioned debate, calls for investigations and …

Stephen White, Ph.D.Summer, 2020 “If honor enables us to ‘make the best of our own lives’, the continual experience of dishonor makes it impossible to live well.” Amy Shuffleton1 Does the concept of honor have utility for threat assessors? I have found the views of some contemporary philosophers and sociologists to be complementary to a psychological perspective on violent motives, …

Philip Saragoza, MDWinter, 2020   In this feature WTS Senior Associate Phil Saragoza describes the growing problem of men who identify as “involuntary celibates” and the implications for threat assessors. On April 23, 2018, 25-year-old Alek Minassian intentionally drove a van over sidewalks in broad daylight in downtown Toronto, killing 10 people and injuring many more. Hours later he sat …

In this feature Reid Meloy addresses the rising problem of threats posed by right wing extremists – to workplaces, campuses, places of worship, and virtually any organizational or community setting where people come to work, learn, worship, or celebrate.

Stephen White, Ph.D.Summer, 2019 With the recent and horrific mass murders this summer, the message in this feature is as relevant as ever. Campus and workplace threat assessment teams are going to see an increase in reporting of concerns about violence. Explanations of how response protocols actually work will benefit an organization’s program. How can campus threat assessment teams better …

In this feature we discuss the issue of “tail risk” cases and call for your possible participation in a study we hope to conduct.

Threat assessment team members in organizational settings increasingly raise this question. Mature programs promote a “see something, say something” culture. We want people to report situations of concern and they do, increasingly so. Denial of potential risk (“Oh, that’s just Charlie being Charlie.”) is less often the problem in this day and age. We all are vigilant to identify and actively manage the serious cases, but in these settings the vast majority of reported scenarios involve individuals who, in the ultimate opinion of the team (or their assessment experts), are judged to not pose a risk of harm…

Stephen White, Ph.D. Winter 2018 Newsletter The Parkland, Florida school shooting has generated a new wave of outrage, controversy, and hopefully some encouraging movement. If you find this feature informative, please share it with your own school districts and law enforcement agencies where you live. As a threat assessment professional, I find the media and public focus in the aftermath …