U.S. Secret Service, Lone Star College Police Department team up to train public safety partners

HOUSTON, TX -- Public safety leaders from across the region gained valuable insight into preventing mass attacks in public spaces at a recent training event presented by the U.S. Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC), the U.S. Secret Service Houston Field Office, and the Lone Star College Police Department.

Held June 11 at Lone Star College-System Office, The Woodlands, the event was free for local law enforcement officers, behavioral health professionals, private sector safety and security personnel, emergency managers, educators, administrators, and other public safety officials from Lone Star College System and across the Houston region.

“The Lone Star College Police Department is honored to partner with the United States Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center in advancing violence prevention and community safety efforts,” said Karlye Louritt, LSCS Senior Director of the Guardian Team, the college system’s internal behavioral threat assessment unit. "Through impactful events like these, we are able to strengthen relationships with community partners, share critical education and resources with the public, and foster the collaboration necessary to create safer and more resilient communities.”

NTAC is known for its research and training related to behavioral threat assessment and the prevention of targeted violence. The center conducts operational studies on mass attacks, school violence, workplace violence, and other forms of targeted violence to help organizations identify warning signs, implement prevention strategies, and strengthen community safety initiatives.

Threat assessment experts at the event highlighted key findings from NTAC’s research, including case studies and guidance for implementing multidisciplinary, community-based approaches to violence prevention. Leaders emphasized the significance of community partnerships to identify and intervene when individuals elicit safety concerns.

Attendees also had networking opportunities, learned about local support resources, and heard a keynote address from Chin Rodger, a targeted violence prevention advocate. Discussions throughout the day focused on recognizing concerning behaviors, implementing intervention strategies to prevent violence, and strengthening collaborative approaches to violence prevention across campuses and communities.

“The Secret Service has long prioritized violence prevention, and our National Threat Assessment Center works tirelessly to provide communities across the nation with resources and training to prevent future tragedies,” said Dr. Lina Alathari, NTAC chief. “We are proud to work alongside the Lone Star College Police Department in promoting behavioral threat assessment programs to our agency partners here in Houston.”

The Lone Star College Police Department has a proactive approach to violence prevention and early intervention efforts through the Guardian Team to foster a safer campus environment for students, employees, and community members. The multidisciplinary unit works closely with internal and external partners to identify, assess, and manage potential threats while connecting individuals to appropriate support and intervention resources.

Learn more about how this team keeps campuses safe, supportive, and welcoming at LoneStar.edu/GuardianTeam.