Individual Threat Evaluations

Acting to investigate workplace hazards and risks is the most critical action that an employer can take. Apart from minimizing the imminent danger, it conveys a strong message to employees that their safety and well-being are paramount.

Now, more than ever, employers are confronted with the question “Is this person potentially dangerous and if so … what should we do”. Contrary to what some may think, in the absence of a direct threat, there is no definitive way to predict violence in that personal and environmental factors can change. This lack of precision does not absolve an employer from taking reasonable steps to evaluate the circumstances and manage the possibilities. To do less, would be to expose employees to an avoidable hazard and the organization to unnecessary legal exposure.

Evaluating an individual’s potential dangerousness must be done with caution, making use of recognized threat assessment protocols. Arriving at a finding is only the first step; it should be followed by a clearly articulated management plan that considers a variety of scenarios and contingencies.

With over 40 years of clinical experience, coupled with advanced training in Threat Assessment and Management, Mr. French is routinely called upon by Canadian employers to evaluate, consult and strategize on a wide variety of workplace threats. Arriving at a timely assessment is critically important when faced with any workplace hazard. In many cases, Mr. French can respond within hours, quickly providing a detailed report with recommendations for further action.

In many cases, Human Resource and Occupational Health professionals find benefit in consulting Mr. French, before taking any decisive action. In these instances, Mr. French works closely with internal resources, including management, to carefully review concerns, from which to develop a risk abatement plan which includes follow-up.

Mr. French is a former Board Member of the Canadian Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (CATAP) and a member in good standing of the International Association of Bullying and Harassment, the International Association of Forensic Mental Health Services, the International Association of Forensic Linguists and the American Association of International Security (ASIS). He is trained in the use of the HRC-20, Mosaic and PCL-R assessment protocols, and is routinely invited to speak at conferences across Canada and the U.S. on issues relating to the evaluation of workplace violence.

Mr. French’s work has been showcased on the CBC (The National), CITY TV, CTV, Global Television. In the National Post, Globe & Mail, Toronto Star, Maclean's Magazine and multiple print dailies across Canada, including coverage on radio and trade publications, including Public Safety Canada's Prevention Magazine (National Crime Prevention Centre).