Domestic Extremism & Targeted Violence Prevention

Violent extremism and targeted violence are on the rise in the United States. Law enforcement has faced an increasing number of cases pertaining to terrorism, driven by many forms of extremism. Individuals are exposed to law enforcement at different stages on their path of mobilization to violence. While some of these individuals have fully mobilized and require arrest, others do not pose enough of a serious imminent security threat to warrant the full time and resources of the FBI, DOJ, state or local law enforcement. Arrest is not always an appropriate or viable option. There is an acute awareness, however, that something needs to be done. Taking a public health approach to prevention and intervention, the CCC has created programs to effectively redirect and demobilize these individuals.

DEEP

Violent extremism is a complex issue that has become increasingly prevalent in our society. Many people moving toward such violence show warning signs long before they act. Family, friends, and bystanders have few options to turn to when they witness behaviors that may be concerning but not criminal.

The CCC aims to disrupt extremist violence before it starts through a first-of-its-kind New York-based early engagement program. DEEP is a voluntary program that connects individuals at risk of mobilizing toward extremist violence with mental health professionals.

Using evidence-based methods, our team works with each participant to identify their unique needs and underlying issues driving their desire to engage in violence.

DEEP is ideologically agnostic and works with individuals with many different backgrounds and belief systems. Participants are empowered to make changes to better their lives without the need for hate and violence.

For more information, please contact abrahams@caasny.com.

Signals

For years, violent extremist groups have used social media and video game chat platforms to reach vulnerable individuals and mobilize them to violence. Many of these individuals send “signals,” or signs of mobilization, long before their actions become known to law enforcement or support services. In some cases, peers and loved ones pick up on these “signals,” but do not know what to do or whom to call for help. If identified and addressed early, any threats to the safety of the general population can be minimized.

In response, the CCC has launched the Signals Project. The Signals Project utilizes publicly available search data and targeted ads to reach at-risk individuals searching for violence-related content. Signals also aims to reach concerned peers and loved ones searching for ways to help their friend or family member move away from extreme violence. Once on a Signals Project website, individuals are offered support resources and the option to connect with a mental health specialist. Contact abrahams@caasny.com for more information.

Training & Outreach

Connecting mobilizing individuals to the proper mental health treatment is an essential step in preventing extremist violence. Through our work in early interventions, the CCC identified extremist demobilization as an area where mental health professionals may benefit from further education and training. Many mental health professionals are unaware of the signs of escalation toward extremist violence or are unsure of how to respond. To fill that gap, the CCC has developed a training program aimed at mental health professionals who may be interacting with individuals mobilizing unbeknownst to them. The goal of this training is to educate mental health professionals on identifying warning signs and indicators, as well as provide current research on the appropriate interventions to address this issue. For more information, please contact henderson@caasny.com.