List three behavioral indicators that may precede a violent act.

List three behavioral indicators that may precede a violent act.

• A. Expressed threats or intimidation; fixation on a target or plan; possession or acquisition of weapons.
• B. Frequent lateness; gossip; minor disagreements.
• C. Casual comments about work pace, email tone, and coffee choice.
• D. Scheduling conflicts and requests for raises.

Answer: (A)

Recognizing warning signals that violence may be approaching is about noticing intent and preparation, not just everyday behavior. The best indicators are explicit or implicit signs that someone intends to cause harm and is taking steps toward that goal. Expressed threats or intimidation show a clear statement or behavior aimed at harming others. A fixation on a target or a specific plan reveals an obsessive focus that increases the likelihood of acting on those thoughts. Possessing or acquiring weapons signals that the person has the means and intent to carry out violence. Taken together, these behaviors suggest an elevated risk that requires immediate assessment and intervention. The other options describe more routine or non-threatening workplace behaviors. Frequent lateness, gossip, and minor disagreements are common in many workplaces and don’t specifically indicate imminent violence. Casual comments about work pace, email tone, or coffee choice are unrelated to harm and reflect everyday preferences or morale. Scheduling conflicts and requests for raises are normal work-life issues and do not, by themselves, point to violent intent.

Recognizing warning signals that violence may be approaching is about noticing intent and preparation, not just everyday behavior. The best indicators are explicit or implicit signs that someone intends to cause harm and is taking steps toward that goal. Expressed threats or intimidation show a clear statement or behavior aimed at harming others. A fixation on a target or a specific plan reveals an obsessive focus that increases the likelihood of acting on those thoughts. Possessing or acquiring weapons signals that the person has the means and intent to carry out violence. Taken together, these behaviors suggest an elevated risk that requires immediate assessment and intervention.

The other options describe more routine or non-threatening workplace behaviors. Frequent lateness, gossip, and minor disagreements are common in many workplaces and don’t specifically indicate imminent violence. Casual comments about work pace, email tone, or coffee choice are unrelated to harm and reflect everyday preferences or morale. Scheduling conflicts and requests for raises are normal work-life issues and do not, by themselves, point to violent intent.