NC unit works to prevent mass harm before it happens, put people back on the right path

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- A team of state investigators is working behind the scenes in North Carolina to prevent incidents of mass harm from happening.

The State Bureau of Investigation Behavioral Threat Assessment Unit, or BeTA Unit, is working with local law enforcement to stop violence, like the fatal mass shooting in Minneapolis.

The unit started in 2018 after the deadly mass shooting in Parkland, Florida.

SBI BeTA Unit Assistant Special Agent-In-Charge Earl Sam said the unit works not only to prevent mass violence, but to put people back on the right path.

"I have full faith that we have moved people in a positive direction," he said.

The unit conducts a multidisciplinary approach, working with local law enforcement and school resource officers to identify people who might pose a threat of committing mass harm.

Investigators say it often starts with people making a tip to local law enforcement before they begin a threat assessment.

SBI BeTA Unit Psychologist Dr. Nicole Jones developed the assessment used by the BeTA Unit.

"The heart of threat assessment isn't just identifying people who might be at risk, but really trying to come up with a plan that will help reduce the likelihood that violence will occur," she said. "Typically, what we see are people who are often in crisis and really need some additional help and support."

The team looks for several behaviors, such as a decline in performance or increased disciplinary issues at work or school, withdrawal from social activities and those closest to them, and recent inappropriate interest or increased interest in weapons.

The team has handled more than 300 cases since 2021, and 62 cases so far this year.

Investigators said it's also about finding ways to support someone in a crisis.

"We've worked cases where we touch base with the SRO in the school later, and, you know, the SRO, she said, you know, 'He is kind of different. This last time when I engaged with him, he had actually had somewhat of a smile on his face," said Sam.

The expertise from the unit is also shared with other local agencies.

Corp. Bruce Harding of the Franklin County Sheriff's Office Threat Assessment Unit said the BeTA Unit's expertise has been vital as his department continues to develop its own unit.

"They have been able to help me with anything I've ever asked," he said. "From day one, I have an investigation till the end. They will call or talk to me and help me out in every way."

The team also follows up with local law enforcement to see if someone's behavior has improved and is no longer being seen as a threat in their community.

About 60% of the unit's cases involve juveniles and are related to schools.