An integrative approach to threat assessment and management: Security and mental health response to a threatening client

摘要

Abstract.Workplace violence threat assessment and management practices represent an interdisciplinary approach to the diversionnof potentially dangerous employees and clients. This case study illustrates such an intervention in a complex situation involving ansocial service agency and its client. Following a curtailment of services and an arrest, the client developed an escalating homicidalnanger toward the agency administrator. Once a Tarasoff warning was received, the agency contacted a security company whonorganized a threat assessment and management plan involving interdisciplinary collaboration. Information developed in thencourse of the assessment was presented to prosecutors, who facilitated the client’s arrest and involuntary psychiatric commitmentnuntil he was judged to be no longer dangerous. This case ultimately involved an integration of the services of security, lawnenforcement, mental health professionals, prosecutors, the courts and the state mental health system in leading to a successfulndiversion of the client from a path of intended violence.