Chapter 9 - Threshold Assessments

Abstract

A threshold assessment (TA) is an investigative report that reviews the initial physical evidence of the behavior, forensic victimology, and crime scene characteristics for a particular case, or a series of related cases, in order to provide immediate direction. It is not informed by complete access to all crime scene documentation, victim information, or the full analysis and interpretation of physical evidence by the necessary forensic scientists. Though it may contain preliminary inferences about the offender, a TA is not to be confused with, or presented as, a fully refined criminal profile.