Fixated Threat Assessment Centre

Fixated Threat Assessment Centre (FTAC) is a joint police/mental health unit set up in October 2006 by the UK Home Office, Department of Health, and ACPO to assess and manage the risk to politicians, members of the British Royal Family, and other public figures from obsessive individuals.

Overview

The Fixated Threat Assessment Centre is a specialist unit that combines the expertise of police, mental health services, and other agencies to assess and manage risks posed by individuals who are fixated on public figures. These individuals may pose a threat due to their obsession, often linked to mental health issues such as paranoid disorders or delusional disorders.

Function

The FTAC's primary function is to identify individuals who pose a potential threat to public figures and to intervene before any harm can occur. This is achieved through a combination of risk assessment, psychiatric evaluation, and management strategies. The FTAC works closely with local mental health services and other agencies to ensure that individuals receive appropriate care and treatment.

Methodology

The FTAC uses a range of methods to identify and assess potential threats. These include analysis of correspondence and communications, interviews with the individuals concerned, and liaison with other agencies. The FTAC also uses a range of risk assessment tools and methodologies, including the HCR-20, a widely used structured professional judgement tool for assessing risk of violence.

Criticism

The FTAC has been criticised for its potential to infringe upon civil liberties, with concerns raised about the potential for misuse of psychiatric diagnoses to justify detention and treatment. However, proponents argue that the FTAC provides a necessary service in protecting public figures and ensuring the welfare of individuals who may be at risk due to their fixations.

See also

• Stalking
• Threat assessment
• Public figure