FGCU’s University Police Department is the key component to ensuring campus safety. With the help of nine other departments on campus, FGCU has cultivated the Threat Assessment and Management Team. 

The FGCU TAM Team is responsible for assessing, investigating, and managing potential threats made to campus. The University Police Department is an appointed committee under the TAM Team. FGCU’s Chief of Police James Slapp, is the director of public safety and holds the position of law enforcement on TAM. Chief Slapp actively communicates with each department by attending training sessions and team meetings.  

“On the TAM Team, we have the Human Resources Office, CAPS, the Dean’s Office, and the Provost Office. Essentially all the key components of the university are a part of this team. We meet to evaluate any type of behavioral issue that might be a threat to the community,” Chief Slapp said. 

FGCU’s Counseling and Psychological Services is one of the departments on the TAM Team. CAPS Psychologist and Senior Director, Jon Brunner, Ph.D. is an effective leader within the TAM committee. He is also one of the founding members of the team.  

As a psychologist and leader of the TAM Team, Brunner helps students and faculty deal with their mental health struggles relating to potential threat concerns. Brunner also organizes TAM meetings and assists in the investigations of potential threats to campus.  

“Part of our mission and purpose on TAM is to connect with others and investigate. We go through a process of looking at the report, evaluating it, and deciding whether or not we need to triage. Our investigation requires partnership with other departments,” Brunner said.  

Along with FGCU’s UPD and CAPS departments, the Department of Social Work also establishes a contributing role on the TAM Team. Program Director and Assistant Professor of the Department of Social Work, Leigh Taylor, Ph.D. is the team’s representative. Taylor adds to the team’s success by visiting various colleges and departments.  

Taylor shares information about the purpose of TAM at FGCU. She also helps other departments investigate the potential perpetrator. Taylor’s initiatives to spread awareness of the TAM Team at FGCU provide students and faculty with the proper information and resources needed to assist with a potential threat.  

“Oftentimes when we are put in a situation of stress, we feel as though we must respond ourselves and we forget that there are policies and committees in place to assist us. My role is to remind faculty and students that they do not have to do this alone,” Taylor said.  

The TAM Team continues its efforts to promote campus safety by effectively communicating with each department. Each role contributes to the team’s success and is vital in keeping FGCU safe.  

“We are here so that people do not have to problem solve alone. TAM is an important resource on campus, and we must remind ourselves that we can reach out for help,” Taylor said.