San Antonio’s Behavioral Threat Assessment Group: A Community Shield Against Violence

San Antonio’s Hidden Heroes: The Behavioral Threat Assessment Group

In the bustling city of San Antonio, a group of dedicated professionals works tirelessly behind the scenes to keep the community safe from violent threats. This group, known as the Behavioral Threat Assessment Group (BTAG), may not be a name you’ve seen in the headlines, but their mission is crucial: identifying potential threats before they escalate into acts of violence.

The Work Begins at the Conference Table

Every week, officials from various agencies converge around a large conference table at Public Safety Headquarters. The team includes members from the FBI, San Antonio Police, the Southwest Texas Fusion Center, and the Department of Homeland Security. Together, they gather to share information and resources about individuals they consider as “persons of concern.” It’s here, in this collaborative approach, that decisions are made that could potentially save lives.

For Special Agent Sam Ukeiley of the FBI, community involvement is crucial. “You never know what piece of information can be the clue that solves the case for us,” he explains. That missing puzzle piece could be a simple observation made by a neighbor or a friend.

Mission: Preventing Tragedy

As the team dives into their work, their mission becomes clear: “We want to prevent tragedy,” says Sgt. Matthew Porter from the Southwest Texas Fusion Center. Every case they tackle is comprehensive and focused on keeping San Antonio safe. One notable example of BTAG’s effectiveness occurred last year. The team intervened with a man who had alarming admiration for the school shooter involved in the Uvalde incident. This individual initially sought mental health treatment after coming to BTAG’s attention, but concerning behaviors resurfaced after his release.

He was spotted driving past the memorial at Robb Elementary and posting menacing images with weapons online. These actions highlighted the importance of continuous monitoring, and when he attempted to purchase a shotgun using a wrong address, BTAG was ready. The U.S. Attorney’s Office confirmed that this purchase was never completed, and the man was eventually arrested in April 2023 after making terroristic threats.

The Spectrum of Threats

BTAG excels at managing multiple cases at a time, assessing threats based on a spectrum of concerning behavior. By identifying patterns, they can implement tailored interventions that might include interviews, mental health treatment, or even arrests.

“Our partners need to share their expertise, so together we can find innovative solutions to steer these individuals away from violence,” emphasized Ukeiley. It’s all about developing a strong partnership with the community. “If you see concerning behavior, we truly want you to report it,” noted Porter, especially as threats in schools have been on the rise lately.

Recent Incidents Highlight the Need for Vigilance

In the past few months, alarming incidents have captured the community’s attention. Recently, a student was arrested in East Central ISD for making threats on Instagram. Thankfully, they didn’t possess any weapons, and the image used was traced back to Google. Similarly, a 10-year-old was charged for social media threats of a school shooting in Kerrville. In another instance, San Marcos police had to investigate threats made against San Marcos High School that resulted in a lockdown.

“What might seem like a joke to some can have serious repercussions for others,” explained Porter. With Uvalde’s tragic history so near to San Antonio, such threats are taken very seriously. “This is not just another day at the office; it’s about the safety of our community,” he added.

How You Can Help

As part of their effort to proactively combat violence, BTAG encourages community members to report any suspicious or concerning behaviors they see. Whether it’s through the FBI Electronic Tip Form or by texting SATIP and your message to 847411 (Tip411), no piece of information is considered too small. Every little detail can potentially assist authorities in addressing threats before they escalate.

As Ukeiley aptly puts it, “We live in a world today where we can’t take the risk that what you saw might be the crucial piece of information we need.”

Though you may never hear about the BTAG in action, their dedication to preventing violence keeps the streets of San Antonio a little safer. So, whether you’re at home, at work, or out and about, your eyes and ears can make a difference in the ongoing efforts to protect our community.