Stopping Violence Before It Starts: The Power of Prevention

Keeping our communities safe isn’t just about reacting to an attack… it’s about preventing it before it ever has the chance to become reality. That’s why I’m proud to announce the launch of the Rockland County Threat Assessment Management (RC-TAM) Team, a proactive, multi-agency initiative designed to prevent targeted violence and domestic terrorism by identifying and assisting individuals who may be heading down a troubling path.

The RC-TAM Team brings together professionals from across disciplines—law enforcement, mental health, social services, education, and government—to work collaboratively when someone exhibits concerning behavior. The goal is not to criminalize, but to intervene. If a person is showing signs of distress or instability, whether due to mental health challenges, housing insecurity, financial strain, or personal crisis, our RC-TAM Team steps in with a coordinated plan to get them the support they need.

This approach is based on a simple truth: most acts of domestic terrorism and targeted violence are premeditated. In nearly every case, there are usually warning signs that include statements, behaviors, or actions that indicated something was wrong. Tragically, these red flags are often overlooked or dismissed… but if they weren’t – the violent act could have been stopped in its tracks. It’s only after the fact that people close to the individual admit and acknowledge something wasn’t right but didn’t know what to do.

But this cannot continue… for this effort to be successful we need the public. We need you—our residents, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and classmates—to be our eyes and ears.

While our team is trained and ready, no one can be everywhere at once. If you see something concerning—whether online, in person, at school, or at work—please don’t stay silent. If a friend, family member, or colleague expresses something that seems off, threatening, or just deeply troubling, report it. Your tip might be the lifeline that helps someone in crisis—and prevents harm to others.

This isn’t about surveillance or punishment. It’s about connection, care, and community. By intervening early, we can prevent tragedy, support individuals in need, and keep Rockland County a safe place for everyone.

To learn more about how the RC-TAM process works or how to report a concern, visit www.rctam.org.

Let’s work together to stop violence before it starts—because prevention is the most powerful form of protection we have.