I-TRAC is a provincial, joint forces, multi-disciplined unit that provides law enforcement and other criminal justice agencies with threat assessment services and proactive approaches to reduce acts of targeted violence. I-TRAC services include: assessing the level of risk an individual may pose to commit an act of violence, providing case management strategies, training, expert testimony and facilitating access to external agencies including mental health, specialized law enforcement and other criminal justice units.

I-TRAC activities are organized into three major categories:

1. Threat assessment, case management suggestions, and case conferencing services;
2. Education and ongoing professional development of unit members and certified threat assessors;
3. Community and stakeholder awareness, education and communications.

 I-TRAC was established by the Alberta Government in 2007 in order to expand its threat assessment capability and capacity. I-TRAC was originally created to address threats posed in violent, high-risk relationships and stalking situations - including homicide and suicide. Domestic violence, criminal harassment and stalking remain I-TRAC’s primary focus however; I-TRAC has expanded its mandate by responding to various threats and acts of targeted violence including workplace violence, school violence and sexual violence.

Professional Team

I-TRAC consists of police members from the RCMP, Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service and Lethbridge Regional Police Service (threat assessors). Our team is also staffed by ALERT civilian threat assessors and employees, a prosecutor from Alberta Justice and Attorney General, a forensic psychologist and a research officer/analyst.

Figure 1. I-TRAC Organizational Chart

Referral Process

Referrals to I-TRAC come through police services, Crown prosecutors, Correctional Services or Children and Youth Services.

Services Provided

The threat assessor will provide police, courts, Correctional Services, and Children and Youth Services with the following:

• formal threat assessment and case management plans;
• recommendations regarding investigations, charges, court orders, victim safety requirements and strategies;
• expert court testimony for purposes of bail and sentencing hearings, child custody and access hearings, and guardianship applications;
• participation in case conferencing; and
• specialized training in domestic violence, stalking, and assessment and management of high-risk cases.

Services Not Provided

In order to ensure the objectivity and integrity of the threat assessment process, I-TRAC is not a first response unit, nor does it respond to crisis situations or crime scenes. I-TRAC does not conduct or manage primary investigations or meet with offenders, victims or witnesses.

Purpose of Threat Assessment

• Primary investigators are better equipped to prioritize their cases in case management, officer safety and deployment of staff.
• Police, courts, Correctional Services and child protection workers are fully informed of who they are dealing with and how they might better manage the risk.
• Criminal and family courts have access to an individual's comprehensive known history and the level of risk he/she poses.

Threat Assessment Tools and Training

The threat assessment process involves the analysis of written, behavioural, personal and situational indicators to assess the likelihood of violent acts. These indicators are based on scientific research conducted by a number of disciplines including the medical and mental health professions, law enforcement, and specialists in the field of threat management, as well as a threat assessor's training and experience. The information assists the threat assessor in making an informed statement concerning risk of violence using standardized measures.

The threat assessor receives comprehensive training in threat assessment, risk management, personality disorders and mental illnesses.