Violence and the Insider Threat Published Dec. 4, 2015 By Jim Coleman 87th Security Forces Squadron JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- We continue hearing about violence across the U.S. committed by insiders, people who have authorized access to an area and use that access to harm people, resources, or capabilities. The 2015 San Bernardino shootings, the Fort Hood shootings of 2009 and 2014, the 1999 Columbine attack and many others were all carried out by people who were members of the community (e.g., school, agency, military base) for weeks, months, or years before they attacked it. There are often unrecognized indicators within a person's behavior leading up to outbursts of violence against others, especially in medium- and large-scale events. Recognizing these behaviors in advance can help prevent these attacks. As noted in the Pentagon Force Protection Agency 2013 Possible Insider Threat Activity Prompted By Fiscal Uncertainty report, "No one behavior, in and of itself, suggests a greater potential for violence, but all must be looked at in totality." Potentially problematic behaviors include: · Increasing belligerence · Ominous, specific threats · Hypersensitivity to criticism · Recent acquisition/fascination with weapons · Apparent obsession with a supervisor or coworker or employee grievance · Preoccupation with violent themes · Interest in recently publicized violent events · Outbursts of anger · Extreme disorganization · Noticeable changes in behavior · Homicidal/suicidal comments or threats · Places blame on other people or institutions rather than accepting responsibility · Inappropriate increase in target practice and/or weapons training · Increasing isolation or withdrawal from social interactions · Significant change in physical appearance · Production of some type of recording (i.e., written, audio, or video) to memorialize activities Potential Risk Factors: · Experiencing damage to a person's sense of self worth · Personal loss · Financial problems · Mental health issues, such as depression or substance abuse Several of these behaviors overlap with those of people who are susceptible to or becoming radicalized. While we must not start "witch hunts" for potentially violent insiders, be sure everyone knows to watch for these behaviors, and that they should report anyone who makes them feel uncomfortable because of these behaviors. This type of reporting can take place within agencies before reaching out to law enforcement agencies, unless there is an immediate threat. IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING...when you see suspicious activity: *Call 87th Security Forces Squadron at 609-754- 6001 *Text 'AFOSI' and your tip to CRIMES (274637) *Submit tip on-line at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=1111 or the AFOSI webpage (http://www.osi.af.mil/) *When off-base, call 1-866-4-SAFE-NJ (723365)