The University of Iowa established the Threat Assessment Team in 2008 in response to the Iowa Board of Regents’ Comprehensive Safety and Security Policy (Chapter 11), which includes a charge to provide comprehensive threat assessment and management services. The team combines expertise in the areas of law enforcement, mental health, student services, faculty/staff services, legal services and organizational effectiveness.
The Threat Assessment Program has three components:
Threat Assessment Program
The Assessment and Care Team is composed of mental health and law enforcement experts. They are the primary contacts for the University Community concerned with behaviors and situations which have a potential for self-harm and/or harm to others. The initial contacts are typically made via phone (319-384-2955) or email (uitat@uiowa.edu). Current contacts for the program are Eli Hotchkin, Threat Assessment Program director, University Human Resources; Josh Lovik, University of Iowa Police; Peter Berkson, University of Iowa Health Care; and Angie Reams, Office of the Dean of Students.
Their responsibilities include:
- Receiving information about concerning behavior.
- Implementing/coordinating the risk/threat assessment response.
- Discerning trends and/or patterns of at risk and threatening behaviors.
- Providing outreach to the UI campus and surrounding communities as appropriate.
- Providing education and training for employees, faculty, staff, and students.
- Prioritize cases as to the assessed urgency.
The Threat Assessment Team consists of representatives from Human Resources/Organizational Effectiveness (OE) and the University of Department of Public Safety, the Office of the Dean of Students, UI Health Care, University Counseling Service, General Counsel, and the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). This group meets regularly and is responsible for both program development and case management functions of the Threat Assessment Program. When a case is active, other University faculty, staff, employees, and other agencies will be involved as appropriate.
Their responsibilities include:
- Collaborate with the Assessment and Care Specialists.
- Provide new information as necessary regarding current cases.
- Advise on issues related to Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
- Provide case specific legal guidance.
- Assist in response to more urgent cases.
The UI Threat Assessment Program Support Network consists of individual contacts in various campus departments. These contacts include, but are not limited to, the Provost Office, Office of the Ombudsperson, Housing and Dining, Early Intervention Team, Office of Student Life, Veterans Services, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Carver College of Medicine, Office of the Dean Graduate College.
Mission
The Threat Assessment Team is dedicated to the early identification, assessment and management of incidents and behaviors that threaten the safety and well-being of the university community.
Goal
The goal is to provide an integrated and coordinated process for identifying and responding to students, faculty, staff and other individuals who may be at risk of harming themselves or others.