TACT is not a substitute for emergency response to an active or imminent threat to the safety of the university community. In event of urgent or imminent threat or danger, please call 911, or the UC Riverside police and campus safety department at 951.827.5222
Threat Assessment Consultation Team (TACT)
Purpose
The Threat Assessment Consultation Team (TACT) was established to respond to concerns expressed by members of the campus community when dealing with intimidating, threatening, or potentially violent behavior. TACT is committed to protecting the UCR campus community through proactive, collaborative, coordinated, objective, and thoughtful approaches to the identification, assessment, intervention, prevention, and management of situations that may reasonably pose a threat to the safety and well-being of the campus community.
Assurance of a safe campus environment is important to everyone. It is the responsibility of all members of our community to report a threat or violence to the appropriate campus resource. Behavior does not need to be illegal to be of concern.
What Does TACT Do?
- TACT is a multi-disciplinary team of campus partners
- Primary focus is threat assessment and early intervention, with the goal of prevention
- Provides guidance for individuals who seek to sustain a safe campus environment
- Review, discuss and manage a broad array of issues concerning campus safety, involving students, faculty, staff and community members
- Members coordinate resources and assist individuals, supervisors, and administrators with responses that reduce risks, prevent violence, resolve conflict, and reduce the occurrence of unacceptable conduct
- TACT is a key part of UCR’s Workplace Violence Prevention Program, which strives to maintain a workplace free of threats and acts of violence
- UCR Representatives on the UCOP Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) Leadership Council
Who is on the TACT Team
TACT Core Group
- Health, Well-being & Safety
- Police & Campus Safety
- Office of Legal Affairs
- Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)
- Case Management Services
- Dean of Students
- Human Resources
- Office of Civil Rights, formerly Title IX, Equal Opportunity& Affirmative Action
- A host of other UCR campus departments are contributors
(Academic Depts, Student Health Services, DEI, CARE, Athletics, & Compliance, etc.)
Reporting Threats
- Questions or concerns may be directed to any of the TACT incident coordinators at TACT@ucr.edu
- Email messages are not monitored after business hours or weekends and may not be received or responded to immediately. A team member will get back to you within one business day
- Emergency: In event of urgent or imminent threat or danger, please call 911, the UC Riverside police and campus safety department at (951) 827-5222
- TACT is not a substitute for emergency response to an active or imminent threat to the safety of the university community. In event of urgent or imminent threat or danger, please call 911, the UC Riverside police and campus safety department at 951.827.5222
When to report?
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When Should I Contact the Threat Assessment Consultation Team?
When Should I Contact the Threat Assessment Team?
UCR community members are encouraged to contact TACT incident coordinators if they hear about a threat of violence or notice other troubling behavior that makes them concerned about the potential for violence. If you are unsure about whether to alert the team about a situation that concerns you, you can talk with a team member to better understand how the team would help before deciding what to do. The earlier that the teams know about a troubling or threatening situation, the more quickly they can help to resolve the problem.Please note that TACT does not respond in person or immediately. TACT is not a substitute for emergency response to an active or imminent threat to the safety of the university community. In event of urgent or imminent threat or danger, please call 911, the UC Riverside police and campus safety department at 951.827.5222.
Please see the UCR Red Folder
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Violent behavior includes, but is not limited to
Some Examples of Violent or Threatening Behavior
Violent behavior includes, but is not limited to:- Any physical assault, with or without weapons
- Behavior that a reasonable person would interpret as being potentially violent, such as throwing things, pounding on a desk or door, or destroying property
- Specific threats to inflict harm, such as a threat to shoot a named individual
- Use of any object to intimidate and/or attack another person
Threatening behaviors includes, but is not limited to:
- Physical actions short of actual physical contact and/or injury, such as moving closer aggressively, waving arms or fists, yelling in an aggressive or threatening manner
- General oral or written threats (in any medium, including email and social media) to people or property, such as, “You better watch your back” or “I’ll get you” or “I’ll ruin your car”
- Threats made in a “joking” manner
- Stalking behavior
- Implicit threats, such as, “You’ll be sorry” or “This isn’t over yet”
- A person verbalizes or is known to possess a dangerous weapon on campus
Source: https://threatassessment.georgetown.edu/when-to-contact-the-threat-assessment-team/#
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What will happen after I call/report?
What will happen after I call/report?
TACT members will assist individuals, supervisors, and administrators with assessments and responses that reduce risks, prevent violence, resolve conflict, and reduce the occurrence of unacceptable conduct.Once a call or report has been made one of the incident coordinators will review the report, potentially meet with the reporting party to discuss the case and sift through the issues and acts as a gate keeper. Review the facts and WAVR21 or another modality, then consult one of the cochairs/or another key incident coordinator.
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Trainings
Trainings
Trainings for individuals are offered as part of the Human Resources Supervisory Certificate Program. You can take a class to learn strategies and skills for dealing with disruptive and angry individuals. You will learn about warning signs, your personal characteristics that may interact with an aggressive person, why an attitude of confidence and respect is important, and practical ways to reduce interpersonal tensions. Personalized training sessions are also available for departments or groups. Please contact crimeprevention@ucr.eduTraining for departments or groups is also available through UCRPD. Available training programs include:
- Security Assessments
- Crisis Response (Active Shooter presentations)
- Basic Safety
- and Dealing with Distressed Individuals
Other Safety or Awareness Training may be requested by campus organizations or departments. UCRPD can discuss preventative strategies, department safety, and campus resources. Please contact UCRPD Crime Prevention Unit at UCRPD @ crimeprevention@ucr.edu for more information.
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Tips for Being Prepared at Work
Tips for Being Prepared at Work:
1. Have a Department Safety Plan
The following are the basic building blocks for the development of a departmental safety plan:- Identify the physical security needs of the department
- Discuss and coordinate emergency strategies with department employees
- To the extent possible, arrange for limited and authorized access to the affected work area
- Establish protocol for calling the Police (emergency/non-emergency)
- Develop prearranged office procedures to alert others to the need for help
- Develop a procedure to cease normal operations and secure the premises
- Outline emergency evacuation procedures
- Evaluate the need for security alarm, panic button, surveillance cameras, security personnel, etc.
2. Employees should mentally "map out" a personal survival strategy in the event of workplace violence.
3. Workplace violence incidents will differ greatly and each situation will dictate a different response.
The particular circumstances of a given situation will suggest which of, and in which order, the following should occur:- Report to the Police by dialing 9-1-1 at the safest opportunity
- Alert others (signals, codes, alarms)
- Activate prearranged safety and security plan
- Secure surroundings, lock doors
- If appropriate, evacuate employees/leave the area
Source: UC Santa Cruz Human Resources & UCSB TMT
4. Security Assessment
For a department security assessment, contact the Crime Prevention Unit in the UCR Police & Campus Safety Department @ crimeprevention@ucr.edu.
Responding to Danger
Please consult the Responding to Distressed Students Protocol or Case Management website.
If the incident concerns an act of violence or threat of violence that occurs in your place of employment, please submit a report to the workplace violence form or visit the Workplace Violence Prevention Website
Note: To access the portal (to report workplace violence), input your UCR netID@ucr.edu and you will be prompted to log in using UCR Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) credentials.
YES
If the person's conduct is clearly and imminently reckless, disorderly, dangerous, or threatening - including self-harm behavior:
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Call 911 immediately from campus phones or a cell phone (2-5222 for non-emergency)
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Notify the supervisor and the TACT team after the Police are notified
I am not sure, but I am Concerned.
During business hours, please notify your supervisor, and then call one the TACT team incident coordinators.
For consultation regarding a student, please contact:
- Case management services at 951-827-5000 or Counseling & Psychological Services at 951-827-5531.
- Email tact@ucr.edu
UCRPD Crime Prevention Unit
Tact@ucr.edu
951-827-1597
Shalaurey Jones-Consalvo, DrPH
Health Well-being & Safety
Tact@ucr.edu
951-827-5000
No, but the person is having personal or work-related Issues.
- Faculty & Staff Assistance Program
Phone: (951) 827-5588 - Office of Civil Rights, formerly Title IX, Equal Opportunity& Affirmative Action
Phone: (951) 827-7070 - Office of the Ombuds
Phone: (951) 827-3213 - Police & Campus Safety Department
Phone: 951.827.5222 (non-emergency) - For student concerns, please consult the Responding to Distressed Students website or call Case Management crisis line, at (951) 827-5000
Resources
On-Campus
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Emergency / Non-Emergency
Emergency / Non-Emergency
- UCR Police & Campus Safety:
- 24/7 non-emergency / Business call (951) 827-5222
- Emergency 24/7 call 911 from any campus phone or cell phone
- Police & Campus Safety | Health, Well-Being & Safety (ucr.edu)
General Resources
- Faculty & Staff Assistance Program
Phone: (951) 827-5588 - Office of Civil Rights, formerly Title IX, Equal Opportunity& Affirmative Action
Phone: (951) 827-7070 - Office of the Ombuds
Phone: (951) 827-3213 - UCR Police & Campus Safety Department
Phone: 951.827.5222 (non-emergency)
For student concerns, please consult the Responding to Distressed Students website or call Case Management Services, at (951) 827-5000
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Crisis
Crisis
- Case Management Response Protocol
- Counseling & Psychological Services - For appointments, questions, consultations call (951) 827-5531, select option 1 for a crisis consultation 24/7.
For appointments and all other inquiries, select 2.- Web: counseling.ucr.edu | Instagram: UCR_CAPS | Facebook: UCR CAPS
- Health, Well-being & Safety: Home | Health, Well-being & Safety (ucr.edu)
- How to Help a Distressed Student…Start with the Red Folder: https://studentdocs.ucr.edu/counseling/uc-riverside_caps_red_folder.pdf
- CAPS Mental Health Care Package
- A Guide for UC Faculty and Staff: Promoting-Student-Mental-Health_Faculty-Staff Handbook
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General Resources
General Resources
- Faculty & Staff Assistance Program
Phone: (951) 827-5588 - Office of Civil Rights formerly Title IX, Equal Opportunity& Affirmative Action
Phone: (951) 827-7070 - Office of the Ombuds
Phone: (951) 827-3213 - UCR Police & Campus Safety Department
Phone: 951.827.5222 (non-emergency) - For student concerns, please consult the Responding to Distressed Students website or call Case Management Services Crisis Line, at (951) 827-5000
- Faculty & Staff Assistance Program
Off-Campus
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Local Helpful Safety Apps
Local Helpful Safety Apps
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Violence Prevention Resources
Violence Prevention Resources
- Risk Factors and Prevention Strategies
Resource from the US Department of Health and Human Services - Safe School Initiative
Resources from the Secret Service - Security in the Workplace
Tips on workplace security from the US Department of Agriculture
- Risk Factors and Prevention Strategies
Policy
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Policy
Violence Prevention in the UCR Community – Zero Tolerance for Violent Behavior
For a hardcopy pdf of this document, Contact the Office of Compliance (2-8246).
Introduction
The University of California, Riverside (University) can best perform its missions of teaching, research, and public service when faculty, students, and staff co-exist in a climate that supports the free exchange of ideas and utilizes constructive methods of conflict resolution.
Intimidation, threats, and acts of violence erode discourse and are detrimental to individuals, our community, and the university’s ability to achieve its mission. Moreover, these destructive behaviors rob individuals of rights protected by California law and university policy. (See appendices.) The purpose for this policy is to succinctly communicate: (a) how the university will respond to intimidation, threats, and acts of violence, (b) how to report these types of behavior, and (c) to whom one may go for assistance in preventing violence and sustaining our community.
Free Speech and Academic Freedom
This policy is intended to protect members of the University community from intimidation, threats, and acts of violence, not to regulate protected speech. Therefore, this policy shall be implemented in a manner that recognizes the importance of rights to freedom of speech and expression. The University also recognizes principles of academic freedom as a special area of protected speech.
Due Process
In responding to allegations of violations of this policy, the University shall act in accordance with its established rules and principles to ensure the treatment of individuals is fair, reasonable, and objective.
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I. Scope
This policy governs all academic and staff employees, emeriti, retirees, and students, as well as visitors, volunteers, vendors, and contractors when 1) on/in university owned or managed property, 2) at university sponsored activities, or 3) when acting within the scope of university employment.
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II. Policy
A. To sustain a community that encourages discourse and the exchange of ideas and knowledge, every individual on or in university owned or managed property, attending university sponsored activities, or acting within the scope of university employment is expected to act in accordance with the laws and university policies that protect the rights of individuals to be free from violence. Specifically, intimidation, threats of violence, and acts of violence are unacceptable conduct and a violation of university policy.
B. The university shall respond to allegations of intimidation, threats of violence, and acts of violence with available campus resources. When the university acts to investigate allegations, facilitate mediation and conflict resolution, prevent violence, and reduce the occurrence of unacceptable conduct, it will do so in accordance with the applicable principles of due process.
C. The Vice Chancellor of Health, Well-being & Safety shall appoint a team of professionals to develop and implement a violence intervention and prevention program. The team shall be named the Threat Assessment Consultation Team (TACT). The program shall be designed to respond to concerns expressed by members of the campus community when dealing with intimidating, threatening, or potentially violent behavior. The UCPD Crime Prevention Unit, Case Management Director and HWS Senior Policy Analyst or designee (s) shall be incident coordinators on the TACT. Incidents involving students, staff, and faculty shall be managed by TACT.
D. The Case Management Director, Crime Prevention Unit & Senior Policy Analyst shall support the response to incidents involving students, with leadership and assessment from the UCPD Chief of Police & Vice Chancellor of Health, Well-being & Safety (or designee).
E. Every individual plays a role in creating a safer community; therefore, each individual is urged to respond promptly and decisively, and actively work to create a respectful climate that supports the free exchange of ideas and uses constructive methods of conflict resolution. Intimidation, threats of violence, and acts of violence are not to be ignored, condoned, or tolerated. Each individual is strongly encouraged to report any suspected violations of this policy.
F. No person shall possess or have control of any firearm, deadly weapon, explosive device, or prohibited knife, as defined in the California Penal Code, except as required in the lawful course of business or as authorized by the UCR Chief of Police & Campus Safety. Possession, storage, and use must comply with California law.
G. It is a violation of this policy to retaliate against another for reporting intimidation, threats of violence, or acts of violence.
H. If allegations of violations of this policy are substantiated, in accordance with the university’s established rules and principles that ensure the treatment of individuals is fair, reasonable, and consistent with due process rights, the university shall administer appropriate sanctions. Sanctions include, but are not limited to, mandatory training, disciplinary actions up to and including dismissal and/or being barred from University property and activities. In addition, violators of law may be subject to civil and/or criminal prosecution as determined by the District Attorney’s Office.
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III. Reporting Procedures
A. Witnesses and Subjects
- If you are a witness to or subject of an act of violence, a potentially dangerous situation, or imminent danger call 9-911 immediately. In addition, you are strongly encouraged to notify your supervisor or unit head or the Threat Assessment Consultation Team. If the situation involves a student, contact the dean of students.
- If you are a witness to or subject of intimidation, or threats of violence, report the incident to your supervisor or unit head or to the Threat Assessment Consultation Team. If the situation involves a student, contact the dean of students.
B. Supervisors, Academic and Administrative Officers, and Threat Assessment Consultation Team Incident Coordinators
- If you receive a report of an act of violence, a potentially dangerous situation, or imminent danger, verify that the Police have been notified. If you cannot verify that they have been notified, call them immediately.
- If you receive a report of intimidation or threat(s) of violence, notify the Threat Assessment Consultation Team. If the situation involves a student, contact the dean of students. TACT will assist you in taking appropriate action to respond to the situation(s), with the goal of preventing violence, resolving conflict, and reducing the occurrence of unacceptable conduct. Sanctions for those who have been found to have threatened or perpetrated violence shall be administered only in accordance with established university processes.
I. Threat Assessment Consultation Team
J. TACT incident coordinators and advisors, upon report of an act of violence, a potentially dangerous situation, or imminent danger, shall verify that the Police have been notified. TACT shall serve as a resource to the Police as needed.
K. TACT incident coordinators and advisors, upon report of concerns about potential violence, intimidation, or threats or acts of violence shall coordinate resources and assist individuals, supervisors, and administrators with assessments and responses that reduce risks, prevent violence, resolve conflict, and reduce the occurrence of unacceptable conduct. -
Appendices
I. Definitions
- Intimidation: Conduct directed toward another person, the purpose of which is to coerce or frighten, and the result of which reasonably causes that person to fear for his/her safety or the safety of others. See appendix II for examples.
- Threat of Violence: An expression of an intention to physically harm one’s self, another person or thing, or damage property, the result of which reasonably causes that person to fear for his/her safety or the safety of others or of property. See appendix II for examples.
- Act of Violence: The exercise of physical force against one’s self, another person, or property with the intent to cause physical harm, whether or not it causes actual harm.
- Dangerous Situation: A set of circumstances that presents risk of imminent physical harm to one’s self, another person, or damage to property.
- Imminent Danger: Any condition or practice that could reasonably be expected to cause death, serious physical harm to one’s self, another person or substantial damage to property.
- University Property: Any land, facilities or other improvements or assets, vehicles, or objects owned or managed by The Regents of the University of California.
II. Examples of Unacceptable Conduct
This list is not exhaustive, but is provided as an aid for understanding the types of behavior that harm individuals, our community, and the university’s ability to achieve its mission. (For additional examples for faculty, see APM 015, Faculty Code of Conduct.)- Physically injuring another person intentionally, such as offensively hitting/punching someone
- Brandishing a weapon or firearm
- Committing injurious or threatening acts, such as sexual assault, stalking, dating violence or domestic violence. Engaging in conduct, the result of which reasonably causes an identifiable individual to fear physical injury
- Engaging in threatening or violent behavior based on race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation
- Threatening to physically injure an individual or to damage property
- Repeated (a pattern of) yelling at another individual
- Repeated (a pattern of) pounding on desks or walls or purposefully slamming doors in the presence of another
- Blocking or cornering an individual, making it difficult for an individual to leave without physical contact
- Sending threatening voice-mails, e-mails, or other written or expressed threats
- Defacing or intentionally damaging property, including data, research, or product destruction
- Retaliating against an individual who, in good faith, reports a violation of this policy
- Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are potential warning signs?
Potential Warning Signs
- Poor workplace relationships marked by a pattern of unusual verbal conflicts or emotional outbursts
- Acts of insubordination (a pattern of unusual acts of disobedience)
- Blaming others for his/her life's difficulties
- Indications of substance abuse (physical decline, behavior swings, tardiness, forgetfulness, anxiety attacks)
- Subtle acts of intimidation (a pattern of posturing, overbearing behavior)
- Marked decline in hygiene/appearance
- Fits of rage and angry outbursts (screaming/yelling, swearing, wild violent gestures)
- Veiled threat of violence (statement or behavior that implies an intent to harm or predicts that bad things are going to happen to an individual)
- Flashing a weapon
- Expressions of persecution/paranoia
- Obsession with a grudge or "injustices" towards a specific individual or management
- Expressions of extreme desperation over recent family, financial, or personal problems
- Fascination with workplace violence (likes to discuss incidents of violence and condones it)
- Preoccupation with weapons (frequent discussions about weapons and their us
Source: UC San Francisco Threat Management Team & UC Santa Barbara Threat Management Tea
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What can I do to help ?
What You Can Do
Do not ignore or downplay direct or indirect threats from any person, as they could escalate into serious incidents. To prevent the escalation of such incidents, every member of the campus community should learn to recognize behavior that is disruptive, intimidating, or could potentially lead to violence.
All managers and supervisors should ensure that employees in your department are familiar with the Violence Prevention in the UCR Community policy, including its protocol for responding to intimidation, threats of violence, and acts of violence. As a supervisor, you should take immediate steps to address problem behavior and ensure the safety of your employees. The TACT is available as a resource to assist you in taking appropriate action to respond to the situation.
Source: UC San Francisco Threat Management Team & UC Santa Barbara Threat Management Team -
What if I am unsure ?
What You Can Do:
- During business hours please notify your supervisor, and then call one of the TACT team incident coordinators.
- For consultation regarding a student please contact case management services at 951-827-5000 or Counseling & Psychological Services at 951-827-5531.
Review Support Services:
- Please refer to the Case Management Response Protocol: https://casemanagement.ucr.edu/chart
- How to Help a Distressed Student…Start with the Red Folder - https://studentdocs.ucr.edu/counseling/uc-riverside_caps_red_folder.pdf
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How do I report a threat ?
How do I report a threat ?
- Submit a TACT Reporting Form
- Questions or reports of concern may be directed to any of the TACT Team incident coordinators at TACT@ucr.edu
- Email messages are not monitored after business hours or weekends and may not be received or responded to immediately. A team member will get back to you within one business day
- Emergency: In event of urgent or imminent threat or danger, please call 911, the UC Riverside police and campus safety department at 951.827.5222
- TACT is not a substitute for emergency response to an active or imminent threat to the safety of the university community.