Western Regional Joint Threat Assessment Training

May 28 & 29, 2025

Tentative Agenda

Conference Day 1

7:30 a.m.     Registration and Morning Networking

8:45 a.m.     Welcome and Opening Remarks

9:05 a.m.    “PERSONALITY DISORDERS: IMPLICATIONS FOR THREAT ASSESSMENT SUBJECT INTERVIEWS” - Keynote Presentation: Russell Palarea, PhD

Subject’s who have personality disorders present a significant challenge for conducting threat assessment interviews. This presentation will discuss the three DSM-V-TR clusters of personality disorders with particular focus on disorders frequently found in threat assessment cases. The presentation will cover how to recognize the behavioral symptoms of these disorders and will provide recommended strategies for conducting interviews with these difficult subjects.

10:30 a.m.     Break/Networking

10:45 a.m.    “FROM THEORY TO PRACTICE: UNDERSTANDING THE WHY, DEFENDING THE HOW, AND CHARTING THE PATH FORWARD IN BEHAVIORAL THREAT ASSESSMENT" - Bruno Dias, PhD, CTM, PCI

Uncover the real-world impact of targeted violence and the strategies that can prevent it. This presentation dives into the presenter’s research on what drives targeted violence, how technology plays a role, and why a deep understanding of these threats is essential for effective prevention. Explore proven, defensible frameworks for violence prevention and gain insights from a compelling real-life case; where proactive intervention was life saving. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how meaningful violence prevention strategies protect communities.

11:45 p.m.     Lunch Provided

1:00 p.m.    “SEE SOMETHING, DO SOMETHING: EMPOWERING BYSTANDERS THROUGH SKILL-BUILDING EXERCISES THAT MATTER" - Kelly Sayre

Join our dynamic presentation, "See Something, Do Something: Empowering Bystanders Through Skill-Building Exercises" to discover how hands-on training can transform ordinary citizens into proactive community protectors. Learn practical techniques to help everyday citizens sharpen their situational awareness, assess risks quickly, and act confidently in emergencies. By working together, we can empower individuals to make a difference when it matters most!

2:00 p.m     Break/Networking

2:15 p.m.    “VOICES OF RESILIENCE: STORIES OF SURVIVAL AND RECOVERY FROM MASS SHOOTINGS” - Joseph Peterson, PhD & Madalena DeAndrea

Mass shootings have become a tragic reality of our times, affecting countless individuals and communities. While understanding the behaviors and motivations of perpetrators is important to furthering prevention, the stories of the survivors and their journeys of healing and resilience hold important lessons. This session is a panel discussion led by Dr. Joe Peterson, a survivor of the 2008 school shooting at Northern Illinois University and Madalena DeAndrea, a survivor of the Borderline Bar and Grill shooting who will share their stories of how they found strength in the aftermath of tragedy.

3:15 p.m     Break/Networking

3:30 p.m.   “BUILDING A COMMUNITY-BASED THREAT ASSESSMENT TEAM: FROM FINDING PASSIONATE PARTNERS TO GAINING STAKEHOLDER BUY-IN” - Ken Nakamura, CTM & Nathan Hance, CTM

Embark on ‘A Solo Practitioner’s Journey: Mastering High-Risk Stalking in Evolving Corporate Seas’ with Jameson Ritter, CTM, as he shares his compelling story of navigating through the challenges of a high-risk stalking case as a solo security practitioner. This presentation promises to unfold the complexity of establishing a new security program, offering attendees a unique blend of practical strategies, personal insights, and the courage to chart unknown waters. Discover the essential tools and mindsets needed to thrive in the evolving landscape of corporate security and violence prevention.

4:30 p.m     Closing Remarks

4:45 p.m.     Welcome Reception

Conference Day 2

8:00 a.m.     Registration and Morning Networking

8:45 a.m.     Opening Remarks

9:05 a.m.    “IMPACT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ON THE WORKPLACE AND MITIGATING HARM” - Keynote Presentation: Ashley Bendiksen

In the U.S., domestic violence impacts 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men. Erroneously deemed an at-home issue or "parking lot problem," abuse undeniably impacts the workplace. Research cites that 96% of abused and employed individuals experience problems at work, while 74% are harassed directly on the job. In order to support employee wellbeing and performance and ensure workplace safety, threat management professionals must understand and incorporate policies to address this issue. Ashley Bendiksen combines her lived experience with 17 years of field experience. This engaging and interactive presentation provides a powerful lens to understand the issue of abuse, while also equipping attendees with specific and practical strategies they can immediately implement in the workplace. 

10:30 a.m     Break/Networking

10:45 a.m.  “UNREASONABLE MEN: THE ENDURING LEGACY OF THE 'KILLDOZER' EVENT" - Gabriel Maletta, PsyD

In 2004, the nation's eyes were on Granby, Colorado as Marvin Heemeyer rampaged through the town in an armored bulldozer, nicknamed the “Killdozer.” Now, over two decades later, the legacy of this event still echos in the threat assessment world, yet few truly understand the events leading up to that day. This presentation will dive deeper and learn about the Killdozer event through the lens of the Pathway to Violence model, identifying places for potential intervention. In additon, this presentation will explore the after effects of the event and its influence on radicalizing a new generation, especially in online spaces. 

11:45 p.m.     Lunch Provided

1:30 p.m.  “DANCING IN THE DARK: IS IT TIME FOR A STANDARD OF CARE IN THREAT ASSESSMENT?" - Raymond Fleck & Melissa Muir

In an era where it is paramount to understand risk and risk reduction for schools, the C-suite, and global organizations, we need a standard of care in Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management. Through the factors recognized in Bowe Cleveland v. Taft Union High School District, this presentation explores a foundational case where failures in the standard of care for threat assessment had tragic consequences.

2:30 p.m     Break/Networking

2:45 p.m.  “IDENTIFYING, UNDERSTANDING, AND COMBATING STALKING IN HIGHER EDUCATION" - Jamie Hagenbaugh, PsyD

Research in recent years has identified the pervasiveness of stalking particularly for college students, who are more susceptible to the phenomenon as they exist within hyper-specific communities. The objective of this presentation is to provide an analysis of the prevalence of stalking on college campuses and propose interventions for individuals who engage in stalking behaviors. In addition, the definition and typology of stalking behaviors will be explored through clinical vignettes.  

3:45 pm      Closing Remarks and Certificates of Attendance