Cayuga County’s Threat Assessment and Management Team is asking residents to report concerning behavior so agencies can assess potential risks and intervene before targeted violence occurs.
The team brings together law enforcement, mental health, human services and other community partners to identify and manage potential threats and connect people with appropriate services, according to the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office.
Residents can share a concern without proving someone is dangerous, the team says, and tips can be submitted anonymously.
The team identifies several behaviors that can warrant attention, including spoken or written threats, threats posted online, increasing anger or aggression, and concerning changes in behavior.
Other warning signs include statements about harming oneself or others; an obsession with previous attacks, weapons or violent acts; planning, researching or preparing to carry out violence; and significant personal crises combined with threatening behavior.
No single behavior automatically means a person is dangerous, the team cautions, but concerning behavior should not be ignored.
The team says many acts of targeted violence are preceded by warning signs that someone noticed but did not report.
Residents can call the sheriff’s office confidential tip line at 315-253-1222 and press 0, or email threatteam@cayugacounty.gov.
The county also offers an online tip form at www.cayugacounty.us/452/Send-a-Tip and the free SaferWatch app for reporting suspicious activity or concerning behavior.
Information about accessing the app is available at www.cayugacounty.us/1894/SaferWatch, or residents can search for SaferWatch in their app store.
After a report, the team evaluates the concern, assesses potential risks and determines appropriate interventions.
Those interventions may include connecting individuals and families with mental health services, community resources or other assistance designed to prevent violence.
For an immediate threat or emergency, call 911.
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