Behavioral Consultation Team supports safety efforts

Friday, September 21, 2012

While Oklahoma State University has had a team committed to address threats since the mid-80s, its direction has changed along with its title since the shootings at Virginia Tech.

 “Now the emphasis is on early identification and support instead of taking action at the apex of the crisis,” said Dr. Lee Bird, vice president of student affairs and chairperson for OSU’s Behavioral Consultation Team. “The goal of what is now the BCT is to identify students, faculty or staff who are experiencing a crisis, to find them help and to eliminate any threat they may pose. However, if no one says anything or no report is made, we can’t take the steps necessary to help that person.”

 The BCT is an interdisciplinary team composed of representatives from campus police, counseling, legal council, academic affairs and student affairs, who receive, review, monitor and respond to faculty, staff or students who may pose a threat to themselves or others. The team’s goal is to work with all parties involved to create a safe campus environment. The team was formed to carry out the safety goals of OSU: to provide a safe and secure work and learning environment.

 But the BCT can’t do the job alone, and needs assistance from those on campus who witness something that’s cause for concern. For instance, Bird urges prompt reporting of individuals whose behavior raises concern or suspicion, especially in the form of direct threats, extreme displays of emotion, obsession with violence, acts of harassment or abusive behavior. 

 “It is vital to tell someone what you’ve seen so that an investigation can take place in order to keep our campus safe,” said Bird. “The BCT does not take anonymous reports. They want to deal with specifics in order to reduce threats.”

 Although there is great cooperation between campus police, counseling and BCT, the BCT is separate from the police department and counseling services. Significant or immediate threats of violence should be reported to campus police immediately.

 Members of the BCT have had significant training in threat assessment from professionals and experts in the field. 

 “We have good services and good people on campus. We can be as prepared as possible but it takes a community to keep one another safe,” said Bird.