Threat Assessment
A systematic evaluation of whether someone poses a risk of violence or harm, used in schools and other settings to identify and support at-risk individuals.
Not to be confused with: Threat Perception, Threat Model, Threat Detection and Safety Assessment
A structured process of gathering and analyzing information to determine if a person may pose a danger to themselves or others. Threat assessments are commonly used in schools, workplaces, and law enforcement to identify warning signs, assess risk level, and recommend preventive interventions or support services.
What this means in real life
A school counselor reviews a student's recent writings, social media posts, and behavior changes after learning the student made concerning comments about harming classmates. The counselor interviews the student and family to understand context and determine whether intervention or monitoring is needed.
What it isn’t
It is not a prediction of future violence with certainty, nor is it a label that automatically marks someone as dangerous. Threat assessments are probabilistic tools meant to guide support and prevention, not definitive judgments.
Commonly misused online
Social media often treats threat assessments as if they are accusations of guilt or proof someone will commit violence, when they are actually investigative tools designed to connect struggling people with help before harm occurs.