How does OSI gather information to determine whether a person of concern poses a high or reasonably foreseeable level of concern for targeted violence?

• A. Surveillance
• B. Public records search
• C. Interviews only
• D. Protective investigation

Answer: (D)

A protective investigation is the structured, multi-source approach used to determine whether a person of concern presents a high or reasonably foreseeable risk of targeted violence. OSI gathers information from a broad range of sources to create a complete, contextual understanding of risk. This includes conducting interviews with the person of concern and with trusted friends, family, coworkers, and others who know them; reviewing relevant records (such as employment, education, disciplinary, medical, and prior contact with authorities); and examining digital footprints and social media, as well as situational observations. The goal is to piece together intent, access to means, escalation patterns, and protective factors to inform safety planning.

Relying on only one method—like interviews alone or public records alone—misses important dimensions of risk, while surveillance is not the standard method for this process and carries distinct ethical and legal considerations. The protective investigation framework ensures information from multiple angles is gathered and analyzed to support a well-founded assessment of risk and appropriate interventions.