Levels of Risk

Low level of threat:

• Poses a minimal risk to the victim and public safety
• Is vague and indirect
• Information is inconsistent or implausible or lacks detail
• Lacks realism
• Content suggests that the person is unlikely to carry out the threat.

Medium level of threat:

• Could be carried out, although it may not appear entirely realistic * Is more direct and more concrete than a low-level threat
• Wording suggests that the individual has given some thought to how the act will be carried out
• Includes a general indication of place and time, but signs still fall well short of a detailed plan
• No strong indication that the individual has taken preparatory steps
• Statements seek to convey that the threat is not empty: “I’m serious!” or “I really mean this!”

High level of threat:

• Direct, specific, and plausible
• Appears to pose an imminent and serious danger to the safety of others
• Suggests concrete steps have been taken, such as stalking or acquiring of a weapon. Almost always requires bringing in law enforcement officers.

There is no one simple or single way to determine the level of risk. Ranking hazards requires knowledge of workplace activities, the urgency of situations, and, most importantly, objective judgment.