What is Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM)?

Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) is a prevention-focused approach used by schools, workplaces, mental health professionals, and law enforcement to identify individuals who may be in crisis and at risk of harming themselves or others, and connect them with appropriate resources. Rather than waiting to respond after violence occurs, BTAM works by recognizing warning signs, understanding their significance, and intervening early.

The ADL Center on Extremism (COE) advocates for BTAM because of its critical role in identifying individuals who show signs of moving along a pathway to violence, particularly youth exposed to violent content, extremist ideologies, and dangerous online networks. A COE analysis of two school shooters in Madison, Wisconsin, in late 2024 and Antioch, Tennessee, in early 2025, respectively, showed that their engagement with violent and extremist content represented possible missed opportunities to introduce targeted interventions to steer them off their pathway to violence. BTAM offers educators, law enforcement, and community partners a structured framework for recognizing these warning signs and intervening before tragedy occurs. 

In practice, BTAM serves as an early intervention system and helps answer important questions like: Is this person in crisis? Are they at risk of hurting themselves or others? What support do they need right now?   

How Does BTAM Work?

Making a Threat vs. Posing a Threat

One of the most important things BTAM does is to help teams distinguish between someone who makes a threat and someone who poses a threat.  

Individuals may make threats when they are frustrated or angry. For instance, an upset child may say something like, “I hate school! I’m going to kill everyone there!” While such statements sound alarming, they are typically expressions of anger or frustration rather than genuine intentions to commit violence.

However, when an individual poses a threat, they often exhibit a pattern of concerning behaviors that indicates they may be planning to harm themselves or others. Warning signs can include abrupt changes in personality or behavior, writing about or discussing attack plans, researching weapons and previous attacks, acquiring weapons or other equipment needed to carry out an attack, or expressing thoughts of revenge or hopelessness.

BTAM provides a structured framework to distinguish between these situations and respond appropriately.

A Collaborative Approach

BTAM teams work in schools, workplaces, police departments, and other organizations across the United States. Some states, including Florida and Texas, have enacted legislation mandating that K-12 schools or districts implement BTAM or formal school threat assessment teams. These teams may operate under various names, such as a Threat Assessment Team (TAT) or a Threat Working Group. 

BTAM is most effective when different stakeholders work together. Team composition varies based on context and setting, and typically includes: 

• Teachers and school administrators who observe changes in student behavior 
• Mental health professionals and social workers who provide counseling and therapeutic support 
• Workplace supervisors, security, and human resources personnel who identify and respond to employee concerns 
• Religious and community leaders who engage with individuals in crisis 
• Law enforcement personnel (when appropriate and necessary) 
• Specially trained threat assessment professionals who coordinate evaluation and response 

Each stakeholder contributes unique perspectives and expertise. A teacher may be the first to notice when a student becomes withdrawn from friends, whereas a supervisor may notice sudden behavioral changes in an employee. When these observations are reported to a BTAM team, they can assess the situation and intervene when necessary. 

BTAM teams address both the individual of concern and any potential targets of their grievance. For example, if an employee makes concerning statements about their workplace after being terminated, the BTAM team would provide support to that individual while also implementing protective measures for the workplace.

How BTAM Complements Other Safety Measures 

BTAM operates alongside, but is distinct from, criminal investigations, disciplinary processes, physical security measures, and existing support programs.

While law enforcement addresses criminal activity, BTAM addresses an important gap: supporting individuals who are experiencing crisis before their behavior escalates to criminal conduct or violence. The focus is on prevention and assistance rather than punishment. 

BTAM can enhance overall safety, security, and well-being for entire communities.

Resources and Support

Numerous resources, training programs, and funding opportunities are available for those interested in learning more about BTAM or establishing a BTAM team within their workplace, school, or community. The Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP) and its regional chapters provide training, resources, and support for threat assessment practitioners nationwide. 

At the federal level, the Department of Homeland Security National Threat Evaluation and Reporting Office (DHS NTER) works with communities to provide guidance and best practices, while state-level contacts can provide localized support and resources. The U.S. Secret Service's National Threat Assessment Center (USSS NTAC) provides research and training on threat assessment techniques across different settings. 

ADL also offers specialized resources and training on emerging threats, including swatting, online extortion networks (such as the Com and 764 networks), and various extremist ideologies and movements.