Advanced Threat Assessment and WAVR-21 Training – October 2025
*********POSTPONED***********
Specialized Training Services is proud to present a 3-day Advanced Threat Assessment & Management and WAVR-21 Training
THIS TRAINING HAS BEEN POSTPONED – NEW DATE: TBA
The training event will begin with a two-day training: Advanced Threat Assessment & Threat Management: Front Line Defense for Evolving Threats with Dr. Reid Meloy. This two day workshop will provide the most up to date information on threat assessment and threat management. This program will showcase the threat assessment process, look at the warning behaviors seen prior to targeted violence, summarize what we know about mass murderers, examine ideologically driven (terrorist) acts, the stalking of public figures and prior sexual intimates, examine the emerging threat posed by extreme right wing anti-government groups, discuss how to evaluate if an individual has become radicalized toward terror, look at new research on threats, discuss the WAVR-21 and its contribution to workplace and campus threat assessment, consider the “dark triad” of targeted violence, present a factual look at mental illness and violence risk, and describe contemporary risk management strategies. Additionally, Dr. Meloy will introduce the TRAP-18 (Terrorist Radicalization Assessment Protocol) as terrorism has become an important area of concern in threat assessment. All allied professions to the threat assessment process should attend. Click Here to learn more about the training objectives.
The third day will consist of Assessing Threats and Violence Risk on Campus and in the Workplace & Community with the WAVR-21 with Dr. Phillip Saragoza . Determining risk of violence is paramount to anyone doing threat assessments. Dr. Saragoza will focus on the use of the WAVR-21, a structured professional guide designed for threat management team members in security, education, human resources, risk management, law enforcement and mental health. First published in 2007, recognition of the WAVR-21 continues to grow as the go-to assessment tool for threat scenarios. Now in its 3rd edition, the WAVR includes 21 empirically-based criteria for assessing different forms of workplace violence risk, including student violence in college and university settings. Incorporating years of research, the core of the WAVR-21 is the “pathway to violence” approach to cases, as developed by professionals at the US Secret Service and the US Marshals Office. Research has demonstrated good to excellent interrater reliability for summary judgments of violence risk based on the WAVR-21, and validation research continues. In this one-day format the presenter will succinctly describe the scientific and clinical basis for the WAVR risk and protective factors. From there the focus will be on practical use of the WAVR screening and assessment tools – how they are integrated into dynamic threat case management with its demands for flexibility. The workshop will include didactic segments, case vignettes, and video presentations. Common workplace threat scenarios will be addressed, including stalking, subjects driven by paranoia and mental illness, domestic violence, bullying, and chronically antisocial individuals. Click Here to learn more about the training objectives.
Register for in-person or virtual and for October 7th and 8th only, October 9th (WAVR-21) only, or for all 3 days.
If attending the WAVR-21 training, the trainers recommend that you purchase the WAVR-21 Manual (which comes with 5 coding packets) in advance. WAVR-21 Manuals are not included in the price of the training. WAVR-21 Manuals and additional coding packets can be purchased HERE
The trainings will take place from 8:30 a.m. until approximately 4:30 p.m. Eastern time on each day (with a break for lunch). Lunch will be provided. In-person training will be held at an Ann Arbor location to be announced.
Virtual Attendees: A Zoom link will be emailed 18 to 24 hours before the training to the email address you provide on your registration form.
There are up to 21 hours of ASIS, APA and SHRM Continuing Education Credits available.
Specialized Training Services is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Specialized Training Services maintains responsibility for this program and its content. AI was not used in the development of this program or in any of the content.
Specialized Training Services, Inc. is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities.
