Bedrohungsmanagement: deeskalieren, bevor etwas passiert

This article presents the work of the Cantonal Threat Management (KBM) Zurich. People who, through their communication and/or behavior, give rise to serious concerns about their potential for violence (so-called person of concern) should be identified and assessed at an early stage. As a result, risky developments can be defused. Forensic specialists from the forensic assessment and risk management (FFA) department at the Psychiatric University Clinic in Zurich support the violence protection police officers in developing a sound case understanding, often in connection with persons who are mentally ill. The understanding of the case must be carefully checked when addressing the person of concern. This paper also explains how the KBM supports authorities and institutions in assessing and managing potential persons of concern. Potential pitfalls of members of authorities in dealing with querulous persons are reflected on but the employer’s duty of care is also brought into focus. Finally, the dangers of the threat management approach are also reflected and the plea is for the greatest possible transparency towards potential persons of concern and citizens in general.