ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 November 2002
Page Count: 5

An Epidemiological Assessment of Problematic Contacts to Members of Congress
Covell, CN
University of Nebraska-Lincoln,

Washington, DO
University of Nebraska-Lincoln,

Callaway, D
United States Capitol Police,

Krebs, JA
University of Nebraska-Lincoln,

Baumgartner, JV
University of Nebraska-Lincoln,

Hatch Maillette, MA
University of Nebraska-Lincoln,

Scalora, MJ
University of Nebraska-Lincoln,

Palarea, RE
University of Nebraska-Lincoln,

Zimmerman, W
United States Capitol Police,

(Received 8 July 2002; accepted 21 June 2002)

Abstract

In order to assess the nature of threat assessment activity pertaining to members of Congress, 4387 cases involving threatening and other problematic contact were analyzed. The cases were studied regarding subject characteristics, articulated motives, as well as several aspects of contact behavior in relation to approach behavior. Approachers were significantly less likely to have articulated threat language prior to or during their contacts and were also less likely to have stated a policy grievance (foreign or domestic) as the source of their concern. Further, approachers were substantially more likely to have expressed help seeking requests as part of their prior and approach-related contacts and were less likely to have had racial or sexualized content within their contacts. Approachers were also significantly more likely to have had a criminal record as well as displayed symptoms suggestive of major mental illness. Subjects engaging in approach behavior were also less likely to have used an alias, were less likely to be a direct constituent of the target and were more likely to have contacted multiple congressional targets. The implications for threat assessment activity are discussed.

Keywords:
forensic science, threat assessment, domestic terrorism, mental illness

Paper ID: JFS15575J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS15575J
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