RENO, Nev. - The University of Nevada, Reno Police Services will host a full-day behavioral threat assessment and threat management training class Friday, August 18 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Joe Crowley Student Union, Ballroom A on campus.

Geared toward those working in law enforcement, universities, K-12 schools, government agencies, the military, mental health agencies and private security/executive protection, this rare educational opportunity offers those participating to learn from the best in the field on how to implement a threat assessment process that is effective in both preventing violence and helping persons in need.
SIGMA Threat Management Associates, an organization with decades of experience investigating, assessing, and intervening directly in threatening situations as well as teaching others to do the same, will lead the class.

Marisa Randazzo, a managing partner at SIGMA, and an international expert on threat assessment, targeted violence and violence prevention, will lead the class. She served 10 years with the U.S. Secret Service, most recently as the agency's Chief Research Psychologist. She is co-author of "The Handbook for Campus Threat Assessment and Management Teams" and lead author of "Implementing Behavioral Threat Assessment on Campus: A Virginia Tech Demonstration Project."

Randazzo has been interviewed by an array of media outlets, including "60 Minutes," "Nightline," "Good Morning America," "The Today Show," "48 Hours," "Dateline NBC," "MSNBC," "The New York Times" and National Public Radio. Her research has been used in the federal, state and local law enforcement communities and has been credited in the media with preventing planned attacks.

"The University of Nevada, Reno is fortunate to have the opportunity to host this advanced level Threat Assessment and Management Training, which is being facilitated by a respected, nationally renowned expert in the field, Dr. Marisa Randazzo," said Adam Garcia, assistant vice president and director, University Police Services. "University Police Services' responsibility to provide a safe environment for our students, faculty staff and visitors is imperative, especially given various events throughout the nation in recent years.

"Unfortunately, college campuses have become a target for acts of violence. This training provides an opportunity for our campus to participate with representatives from law enforcement and other related service agencies throughout northern Nevada," said Garcia.

For more information on how to register for this training course or to learn more about SIGMA, please visit their website at www.sigmatma.com. Cost for the training is $375 per person.