Protective Intelligence And Threat Assessment Investigations

Threat assessment is a developing field pioneered by the
U.S. Department of the Treasury’s U.S. Secret Service,
which is charged with protecting the President of the
United States and other U.S. and foreign leaders. Threat
assessment measures involve investigation and analysis of situations
and individuals that may pose threats to persons in public
life. In 1992, the Secret Service, in partnership with the National
Institute of Justice and with assistance from the Federal Bureau
of Prisons, began the Exceptional Case Study Project (ECSP), a
5-year study to examine the thinking and behavior of individuals
who have attacked or approached to attack prominent public
officials or figures in the United States since 1949.1 ECSP findings
reveal general threat assessment information relating to attacks
on public officials and figures, while suggesting that broader
application of threat assessment protocols by Federal, State, and
local law enforcement officials could help anticipate and prevent
other crimes, such as stalking and workplace violence.
Drawing from project findings, this guide describes an approach
to threat assessment and the protective intelligence investigative
process that can be of assistance to Federal, State, and local law
enforcement and security professionals with protective intelligence
responsibilities. Though not intended to serve as an operations
manual, the guide presents information and ideas about
developing and implementing protective intelligence programs
and activities. Information about the thinking and behavior of
persons who have attacked or come close to attacking public
officials and figures can help refine law enforcement operations
related to preventing and investigating violence and threats of
violence.