The University Police Department is taking proactive steps to enhance the safety and security of the campus community. To empower individuals to identify, assess and manage concerning or threatening behavior, the department is hosting a series of community awareness sessions on Oct. 12. These sessions will provide valuable information and resources for students, staff and faculty to contribute to a safer campus environment.

• Session 1: 1 - 1:45 p.m.
• Session 2: 2 - 2:45 p.m.
• Session 3: 3  - 3:45 p.m.

The sessions, scheduled for three time slots throughout the afternoon in Arkansas Union rooms 507/508, will focus on the Behavioral Intervention Team – Threat Assessment Team (BIT-TAT). Led by Gene Deisinger, president of Deisinger Consulting LLC, these sessions aim to educate the campus community about the importance of reaching out to BIT-TAT when concerning or threatening behavior is observed.

Deisinger brings a tremendous amount of expertise to these sessions. In June 2022, the U.S. Department of Justice appointed him as a subject matter expert on the Critical Incident Review Team, where he provided invaluable insights into a mass casualty incident at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Since February 2015, Deisinger has served as the threat management consultant for the Virginia Center for School & Campus Safety. As an independent contractor, he has delivered training and consultation services to schools, campuses, and government and law enforcement agencies across Virginia.

Deisinger's extensive experience includes serving as deputy chief of police and director of threat management services for Virginia Tech until his retirement in December 2014. His leadership in law enforcement operations and multidisciplinary threat management functions was instrumental in enhancing campus safety in the aftermath of the 2007 mass casualty incident at Virginia Tech. Deisinger holds a doctorate in psychology from Iowa State University and is a licensed psychologist, a certified health service provider in psychology and, until his retirement, a certified law enforcement officer.

"Dr. Deisinger has an accomplished background in threat management," UAPD Chief Gahagans said. "He will provide training to our Behavioral Intervention Team – Threat Assessment Team as well as to the general university community to better prepare us to identify, assess and manage concerning or threatening behavior."

The campus community is encouraged to attend any of the three 45-minute sessions on Oct. 12. This initiative is part of the university's ongoing commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all its members.

For more information about these community awareness sessions or the BIT-TAT, please contact the UAPD at 479-575-2222.