Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Violence Prevention Committee and the Threat Assessment Team?
The Violence Prevention Committee develops policies and procedures for the prevention of violence and provides guidance to community members about how to recognize and report threatening behaviors. The Threat Assessment Team (TAT) is the body responsible for executing those policies and procedures and assessing threats to the campus community.

What is a Threat Assessment Team and what is it not?
TAT enlists trained members of the community in a community-wide effort to ensure the safety and security of the community. This process relies heavily on community members caring about those with whom they live and work. 

Why should I report behaviors which concern me?
Warning behaviors are often observed but not always shared with individuals who might be able to intervene to deescalate risk, such as the Threat Assessment Team.  You are important to the team because you interact with people on campus and can notice a change in their behavior. A change in behavior is one of the first indicators that something is wrong, and the person needs assistance.

How do I report concerns?
There are several ways to contact the Threat Assessment Team. In an emergency, please call WMPD at 757-221-4596. Concerns may be emailed to TAT@wm.edu or by reaching out to any member on the Threat Assessment Team

What happens after a concern is shared with Threat Assessment?
The multidisciplinary Threat Assessment Team will review and assess the information you have provided and determine best practices, which may include referring a case to Student Affairs or Human Resources, for example.

Can I report a concern anonymously?
If you provide contact information, we can contact you to let you know we are addressing your concern. You are encouraged to identify yourself because you can assist the team if clarification or additional information is needed. Anonymous entries will be evaluated based on the information provided. However, providing incomplete information may not allow the individual to receive the help or resources needed.

What happens if I report something?
It may not seem serious to you, but you may only know part of the story. Remember this phrase: “It may be nothing, but…” Your concern may turn out to be nothing, but it also may be something very important. Let our team decide if the person you know needs assistance. If you share your concern with us, you will not get the person in trouble; you will allow the team to help him or her. We encourage you to provide as much information as possible to assist us in assessing your concern. We want to provide assistance to an individual and determine what action is necessary to address the situation.

What if I am wrong about someone?
The team reviews all concerns and if your concern turns out to be nothing, then nothing will happen to the person, and nothing will happen to you. If you intentionally create a false report, you may be subject to university sanctions.