What are the elements of subject behavior used to assess Assaultive Grievous Bodily Harm or Death threats?

• A. Intent, capability, and opportunity to inflict death or serious bodily harm.
• B. Verbal intent alone determines threat level.
• C. Only capability is needed to justify lethal force.
• D. The subject's age determines threat.

Answer: (A)

The central idea is that credible threats of assaultive grievous bodily harm or death come from three behavioral elements: intent, capability, and opportunity. Intent is the clear desire to cause serious harm or death. Capability means the subject has or can obtain the means to do so. Opportunity refers to the surrounding circumstances that would allow the act to be carried out soon. When all three are present, the threat is high risk and demands decisive attention and protective action. Verbal intent alone may indicate a risk, but without capability or opportunity it isn’t enough to elevate the threat; capability without intent may show planning but not imminent danger; opportunity without intent and capability isn’t sufficient to justify action. Age does not determine threat in itself; the assessment hinges on intent, capability, and opportunity.