When Should a Threat Be Taken Seriously?

When someone is threatened, whether in person or online, it can have a dramatic impact on that person’s psyche. Going to work, seeing friends, or performing normal day-to-day tasks may trigger feelings of dread. When you and your loved ones are faced with a potential threat, it’s imperative that you determine if the threat is genuine. In this brief article, we will be discussing when threats should be taken seriously. If you would like to ensure that threats against you are always taken seriously, hire our executive protection services in Tampa.

True Threats

The Supreme Court has stated that “true threats…encompass those statements where the speaker means to communicate a serious expression of an intent to commit an act of unlawful violence to a particular individual or group of individuals.” True threats are not protected by the First Amendment, and an offender making true threats can be prosecuted in a court of law if the threats are ruled genuine. Threats made to high-profile targets, such as celebrities, CEOs, politicians, and wealthy families, are more likely to be seen as genuine.

Escalation

With threats, there most likely comes escalation. Occasional veiled comments may give way to a constant stream of graphic and specific threats over time. This is done, in part, to place the victim in a state of fear where they are less willing to take steps to safeguard themselves.

When threats escalate or are made to high profile targets, this indicates that there may be a shift from twisted idea to reality. Even a single threat can indicate imminent violence. In earnest, all threats should be taken seriously. The stress they cause can take a serious mental and physical toll on a person. So, when your life is threatened, you must take steps to protect yourself.

What Should You Do?

If you are threatened, you may wish to file a police report or have a restraining order placed on the offender. These are excellent steps to take in the long run, but they may not be enough to deter a physical threat to your life. Our executive protection specialists are trained to assess threats and determine if they are genuine or harmless. From there, we can put measures in place, such as a bodyguard, to ensure that you can go about your life without the risk of a veiled threat coming true. If you feel like your personal safety is being threatened, consult with an expert in executive protection in Tampa at Darwin Securities.

To schedule a consultation with an expert on executive protection in Tampa at Darwin Securities, please submit our contact request form.