A recent study published by ASIS International revealed some eye-opening findings about Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) practices in schools.

Only 15% of schools conduct social media or online footprint reviews every time they perform a BTAM assessment. 8% don’t check at all, and the rest only do so “sometimes.”

That number is startling — especially when 96% of students report using social media daily (Pew Research, July 10, 2025). Given how often concerning behaviors originate or evolve online, this gap represents a major blind spot in the assessment process.

Just because a threat may not begin online doesn’t mean the key indicators to determine its credibility aren’t there. The reality is that radicalization, ideation, and grievance development often manifest digitally long before they become visible in person.

According to the U.S. Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC), many schools are still designing their own BTAM processes — often without incorporating key recommended elements such as structured decision-making, multidisciplinary review, or consistent documentation. In fact, only 31% of schools are using a highly structured process to ensure that threats are assessed consistently, fairly, and appropriately.

At COSECURE, we see this pattern reflected across the country, where schools are well-intentioned but often under-resourced or under-trained in implementing comprehensive BTAM frameworks.

“Threat assessment isn’t just about reacting to behavior; it’s about understanding context, patterns, and escalation – and that content increasingly lives online.” — Joe Hendry, PSP, CLEE | COSECURE Senior Consultant, Behavioral Threat Management

Our multidisciplinary experts — including Joseph Hendry, PSP, CLEE, Drew Neckar, and Robert Evans – continue to help educational institutions build structured, evidence-based school security and BTAM programs.

If you’re interested in strengthening your school or district’s security posture including the BTAM process, our team can help evaluate your current security framework, align it with NTAC and other school safety best practices, and ensure your programs are equitable, defensible, and effective.

Connect with one of COSECURE’s behavioral threat assessment school safety specialists: info@cosecure.com