Andre Simons runs an FBI unit that works to stop shootings before they happen, and in the past year his behavioral team has tackled 150 cases — not one resulting in violence.
According to CBS News, Simons and the Behavioral Threat Assessment Center confront a case dealing with a potential shooter three times a week. The potential shooters are “identified through tips from churches, police, campus security and businesses.” Simons notes that potential gunmen often “reveal warning signs to co-workers, neighbors or classmates.”
When asked by CBS correspondent Bob Orr what signs “jump off the page” to him, Simons responded: “What we look at is, is there a fascination with previous attacks? Is there an overwhelming sense of a downward spiral?”
When the unit gets a heads up about threatening behavior, analysts work to re-direct the subject to mental health treatment, monitoring or custody. According to Agent Simons, “While prosecution remains at the FBI one of our priorities, we really think prevention is even better.”
Unfortunately, the challenge of keeping one step ahead of potential gunmen is increasing with last Friday’s gunfire at a Colorado high school merely serving as the latest reminder.
“These active shooters are continuing, so we’re doing everything we can to unite mental health resources with law enforcement and make a positive change,” said Simons.
Bob Orr reports.
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