Many forces are at work on campus to keep Blazers safe. UAB has 100-plus accredited police officers, a fleet of patrols monitoring campus, more than 490 Help Phones located throughout campus and roughly 3,700 video cameras in buildings, parking decks and outdoor areas. Employees can download the Rave Guardian app, use the Motorist Assistance Roadside Service or call the Blazer Express Safety Escort Service.
But UAB’s biggest secret weapon? A student or employee’s intuition and observation.
A U.S. Secret Service study of averted targeted attacks published this year found that individuals contemplating violence often exhibit specific behaviors, and violent acts can be prevented when communities identify warning signs and intervene.
To facilitate identification and reporting, UAB formed the Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management team (BTAM) in 2016, comprising members from the university and UAB Health System. Any employee who notices concerning behavior or is worried about a potential threat to the campus community can file an anonymous report with BTAM, which uses a structured process to evaluate and manage behavioral threats to the safety and well-being of the campus community.
Keep an eye out for these concerning behaviors:
- Radical changes in a person’s behavior, academic or workplace performance, appearance or conduct
- Aggressive or irrational behavior through words and/or actions
- Changes in demeanor or emotional control
- Inability to control anger or confrontational or disturbing words or actions
- Unusual overreaction to normal circumstances
- Stalking in any form
Imminent threats should be reported through 911 or by calling the UAB Police Department at 205-934-3535. Those include knowledge of a colleague’s or student’s possession of a weapon on UAB property, physical or attempted assault or explicit fears of harm.
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Employees can report to BTAM anonymously by completing an online form or contacting a BTAM member. BTAM is an enterprisewide resource; students and visitors to both the academic and medical campuses also can file reports of concerning behavior. |
For non-imminent threats, reports can be made to BTAM anonymously by completing an online form or contacting a BTAM member. BTAM is an enterprisewide resource; students, employees and visitors to both the academic and medical campuses also can file reports of concerning behavior.
Reports to BTAM have ranged from comments made in passing to online threats and stalking. James Erwin, director of University Risk Management and BTAM co-chair, says it is important to err on the side of caution and pass along any concern – even those that are seemingly small.
“At such a large workplace like UAB, it can be easy to assume that another colleague or co-worker will report something suspicious or concerning, especially if it’s about someone you don’t know,” Erwin said. “However, reporting something as soon as you notice it can prevent harm or injury to someone that you do know.”
The BTAM team includes a diverse group of people, including representatives from UAB Police, Student Affairs and Student Counseling Services, Human Resources, the Employee Assistance and Counseling Center, Office of Counsel and the Department of Psychiatry Psychiatry, along with partnerships throughout the UAB enterprise. BTAM’s team members evaluate reported concerns through a systematic process to analyze and assess the identified behaviors, often consulting with subject-matter experts, taking statements and reviewing UAB policies. If appropriate, the BTAM team develops a case-management strategy and monitors all cases. Managers or supervisors then implement approved recommendations from BTAM or other UAB officials involved in the assessment.
UAB is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all Blazers. From mobile apps to bus escort services to B-Alerts and more, make sure you’re up to date on all the ways to stay safer on campus.
