NTAC Research

This publication is in the public domain.

Authorization to copy and distribute this publication in whole or in part is granted.

However, the U.S. Secret Service star insignia may not be otherwise reproduced or used in any other manner without advance written permission from the agency.

While permission to reprint this publication is not necessary, when quoting, paraphrasing, or otherwise referring to this report, the citation should be: National Threat Assessment Center. (2026). Preventing Targeted Workplace Violence: A U.S. Secret Service Guide to Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management. U.S. Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security.

For over 25 years, the U.S. Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC) has examined targeted violence and published groundbreaking research and operational guidance

with our latest operational guidance to assist organizations in implementing behavioral threat assessment and management programs

we offer a blueprint to support agencies, organizations, and other workplaces as they work tirelessly to ensure the safety of their workforce

This support continues with the release of Preventing Targeted Workplace Violence: A U.S. Secret Service Guide to Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management

involves the publication of research and guidance for our public safety partners across the United States

Over two decades of NTAC research has continually affirmed that targeted violence can be prevented when communities are equipped with the knowledge and resources to recognize the warning signs and intervene

In 2023, NTAC published Mass Attacks in Public Spaces: 2016 – 2020, a report that examined 173 acts of mass violence

NTAC developed a project specifically aimed at understanding and preventing targeted acts of violence within workplace settings

There is no specific demographic profile of an attacker.

This publication offers key research findings and operational guidance for preventing acts of targeted workplace violence.

Mass Attacks in Public Spaces: 2016 - 2020 (2023)

NTAC research and Secret Service operational experience have established that the BTAM process:

This guidance was informed by several methods and data sources, including the protective operations used by the Secret Service and decades of NTAC research, training, and consultation

The U.S. Secret Service NTAC offers free recurring virtual trainings delivered by NTAC personnel.

During these presentations, NTAC staff share findings from decades of research on targeted violence and guidance on how the BTAM process can be used to prevent future tragedies in our communities.

To learn more or to register for one or more of these training events, visit: https://www.secretservice.gov/ntac/virtual.

NTAC presented the 20 Assessment Themes that have been established by 25 years of NTAC research

NTAC's research on targeted violence has revealed that motives for violence are multifaceted, and individuals often have multiple identifiable motivations at once

The U.S. Secret Service has long held that prevention is the best form of protection.

For over 25 years, NTAC's research examining incidents of targeted violence

National Threat Assessment Center. (2023). Mass Attacks in Public Spaces: 2016 – 2020. U.S. Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security.