Skip to main content

Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management

UNC-Chapel Hill prioritizes campus safety by encouraging proactive participation in identifying and reporting concerning behavior to its Behavioral Threat Assessment Team (BTAT), which employs an evidence-based approach to assess, manage and mitigate potential threats while offering supportive resources to individuals and fostering a secure environment.

In cases of imminent danger or a mental health crisis, please call 911 immediately.

Threatening Behavior

Threatening behaviors may be expressed or communicated orally, visually, in writing, electronically, or through any other means and may be considered threatening regardless of whether a direct threat is expressed or was received by the intended audience or believed by the intended audience.

  • Motives for Violence: Evidence of using violence as a means to address grievances or achieve objectives (e.g., revenge, justice, notoriety).
  • Homicidal Ideas and Violent Fantasies: Preoccupation with violence, weapons, or violent themes; support for violence or identification with its perpetrators.
  • Violent Intentions and Threats: Verbal, written, or symbolic threats or plans to harm others.
  • Unauthorized Weapon Possession: Bringing weapons to campus or the workplace without permission.
  • Pre-Attack Behavior: Research, planning, or preparation for an attack, including acquiring weapons.
  • Entitlement and Negative Traits: Extreme defensiveness, self-centeredness, blaming others, or vindictive behavior.
  • Lack of Conscience: Exploiting others, habitual lying, or disregard for laws and policies.
  • Paranoia and Psychotic Symptoms: Delusions, hallucinations, or extreme moods linked to violent intentions.
  • Desperation and Suicidality: Hopelessness, suicidal ideation, or anger stemming from despair.
  • Fixation: Pathological preoccupation with a person or cause, marked by obsessive behavior and an angry tone.
  • Substance Abuse: Dependence on drugs or alcohol, often linked to anger or violence.
  • Stress and Coping Issues: Visible stress or despair due to significant losses or setbacks.
  • Menacing Behavior: Harassment or actions that instill fear.
  • Anger Problems: Frequent outbursts, impulsivity, or physical displays of anger.
  • Violence and Conflict: Recent or severe violent acts, violations of protective orders, or ongoing interpersonal conflicts.
  • Isolation: Avoiding social or intimate interactions.
  • Status-Related Issues: Dismissal, suspension, or performance problems.
  • Concerning Behaviors: Unexplained absences, resistance to change, frequent conflicts, paranoia, or incoherent speech.
  • Stalking: Persistent, fear-inducing harassment.
  • Intimate Partner Violence: Escalating harassment, surveillance, or physical abuse of a partner.

How to Report a Concern

If you observe or experience actions that seem troubling or suspicious, please reach out to BTAT. We depend on our community members to identify and report concerning actions. Trust your instincts – if an interaction leaves you feeling fearful for your safety or the safety of others, it’s important to take it seriously.

You can report a concern in two ways:

  1. Email the Behavioral Threat Assessment Team at btat@unc.edu.
  2. For imminent threats or emergencies, call 911 to reach UNC Police.

Reports are reviewed by BTAT. Include all relevant details about the concerning behavior without diagnosing or speculating on mental health issues. Use clear, concise and specific language, and attach any relevant documents.

The team aims to respond to reports within 24 hours; however, BTAT does not operate as a 24/7 service.

Behavioral Threat Assessment Team

The Behavioral Threat Assessment Team is composed of members from the larger University community including UNC Police, Student Affairs, Human Resources, EOC and Title IX. The office is supported by a team of permanent staff who oversee daily operations.
Angel Gray
Director of Threat Assessment and Management
Email: angel.gray@unc.edu

Confidentiality

BTAT is not a confidential resource, but we handle investigations with care and discretion, sharing information only with individuals who need to know to ensure campus safety.

If your report involves sexual misconduct, such as stalking, intimate partner violence or sexual assault, you may also be required to file a report under Title IX. For information on whether you are required to report to the Equal Opportunity and Compliance Office, please refer to the Equal Opportunity and Compliance FAQs.

If you witness a crime, you can submit an anonymous report to UNC Police through the Silent Witness program. Witnesses are asked to provide as many details as possible about the crime including its location and any potential suspects. Reports are only identified by a unique number and will be reviewed by the Criminal Investigations Unit.

Under the Clery Act, the University is required to designate and train Campus Security Authorities (CSAs), who must report any Clery-qualifying crimes to UNC Police but are not responsible for investigating incidents. The Incident Report Form is used by CSAs to document Clery reportable crimes or incidents.