If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
Threat Assessment and Management
I assess and investigate threats and harassment, then help you manage and reduce the risk through a threat mitigation plan and ongoing reevaluation. Every consultation is confidential.
I am Zach Baumgart, a former federal special agent, Certified Fraud Examiner, and Virginia-licensed private investigator. I am a threat assessment professional who has served on the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force and provided threat assessment and management for senior government officials. About me
What Is a Threat Assessment?
A threat assessment is a structured look at a threatening or concerning situation to decide how serious it is and what to do about it.
Most threats are never carried out. However, only an assessment and investigation can determine the true intentions behind a threat and the likelihood that it will be carried out.
I gather the facts, assess the level of risk, develop a comprehensive plan to reduce the risk, and then work with you to decide what steps you want to take.
Threat assessments can also be conducted for workplace violence prevention, stalking, harassment, and other concerning behavior.
You do not have to decide alone whether something is serious. I will listen, tell you what I see, and explain your options.
Who I Serve
Organizations
Businesses (medical offices, law and financial offices, retail spaces, and restaurants and bars), nonprofits, schools, childcare facilities, camps, and houses of worship that are facing a threat, a workplace violence concern, or harassment.
Individuals and Families
People facing stalking, harassment, online intimidation, or a threat from someone they know, and families who want a professional opinion on whether a situation is serious.
Common Situations
- An employee, customer, or former partner has made a threat, or their behavior worries you.
- You are ending a relationship with an employee, a client, or a business partner, and you are concerned about how that person will respond.
- Someone keeps contacting you after you asked them to stop, or you believe you are being stalked or followed.
- Someone is harassing or intimidating you, your family, or your organization online.
- A social media post or message comes from someone who worries you, or it contains content you perceive as a threat, intimidation, or coercion.
- A dispute with a neighbor, vendor, or member of your community is escalating.
- You are not sure whether what is happening is a threat, and you want a professional opinion.
What You Receive
A Written Threat Assessment
A written report that assesses the risks, the warning signs of escalation, and whether the subject is capable of carrying out the threats.
A Threat Mitigation Plan
A plan that identifies definitive actions that can be taken to reduce the risk. If appropriate, the plan identifies warning triggers that indicate an updated threat assessment is needed and recommends whether a regular review on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis is appropriate.
Ongoing Reevaluation
I reevaluate the threat on a schedule or whenever your circumstances change, and I update the assessment when new information requires it.
How It Works
Initial Consultation
I start with a confidential consultation by phone or virtual meeting lasting about 15 minutes. The consultation is complimentary.
Initial Fact-Gathering
A flat upfront fee covers this phase. I meet with you and any victim, collect initial evidence, meet with any witnesses, take initial steps to identify the subject and conduct an initial background assessment, and coordinate with law enforcement as appropriate.
Scope and Contract
I review what I found with you, and I recommend the services you need, such as a threat assessment, a complete threat investigation, a threat mitigation plan, support to implement the plan, and reevaluation. By mutual consent, you and I enter into a fixed-cost contract.
Investigate, Assess, and Mitigate
I investigate what happened by conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and developing facts. I use this information to prepare my written report and a threat mitigation plan. You and I review them together, and I help you determine how to respond and carry out the plan, including emergency procedures where needed, with the goal of reducing the threat level over time.
Reevaluate
I reevaluate the threat on a scheduled basis or whenever the facts and circumstances of your situation require it. I review new communications and interactions and check open-source intelligence and proprietary databases to see whether new information requires an update.
Reevaluation can also be part of a Security Director on Demand contract.
Ready to talk it through? The initial consultation is complimentary.
Confidentiality
I handle every matter in confidence, and I will sign a nondisclosure contract upon request.
Threat assessment does not replace 9-1-1 or law enforcement, and I do not provide legal advice.
My Experience
As a federal special agent, I provided executive protection, threat assessment, and threat management for the Secretary of State, senior government officials, and visiting foreign diplomats in the U.S. and around the world. On the FBI Boston Joint Terrorism Task Force, where I served as a criminal investigator and task force officer, I led and took part in threat assessments, threat investigations, and the development of threat mitigation for threats of terrorism to individuals, businesses, and critical infrastructure.
Where I Work
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if it is a threat?
If you feel that you, your family, your business, or your organization is being intimidated, coerced, or harassed, you may be experiencing a threat. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1 immediately. Once the immediate danger is over, contact me to discuss whether a threat assessment is appropriate for your circumstances.
What if my situation is urgent?
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1 first. For an urgent threat that does not involve an immediate threat to life or safety, call or text me at 571-643-2338, or message me on WhatsApp or Signal.
Will you contact the person making the threat?
Whether I contact the subject depends on several factors, including the involvement of law enforcement, the nature of the threat, and your wishes. I discuss any contact with the subject with you regularly during our meetings about the threat.
Will the police be involved?
If a law has been broken, local law enforcement may be involved. The level of involvement depends on the nature of the threat, the available evidence, and the availability of police resources. As a licensed private investigator in Virginia, I am authorized to conduct criminal and civil investigations, conduct surveillance, and gather evidence in support of potential criminal or civil judicial action. I am also authorized to conduct background investigations. At your request, I can conduct investigations independently of law enforcement action.
Can you work with my HR team or attorney?
Yes. In threat situations involving an employee or contractor, I almost always work with HR teams, ownership, attorneys, and others. When planning threat assessments and investigations, I often work directly with HR to determine what evidence is needed to take administrative action against the subject.
Do you provide bodyguards or protective services?
No. Personal protection in Virginia requires a separate qualification and license from the Department of Criminal Justice Services. Upon your request, I can help you find and work with a properly licensed personal protection firm.
How much does it cost?
Costs depend on the nature of the threat and the services requested. For example, a threat or harassment that occurs online generally costs less than an in-person threat by a known subject. There is no charge for the initial consultation.
I begin with a flat upfront fee that covers a meeting or interview with you and any victim, collection of initial evidence, meetings with any witnesses, initial steps to identify the subject and conduct an initial background assessment, and coordination with law enforcement as appropriate. The flat fee depends on the nature of the threat and what the circumstances require. For example, a written threat from a known individual will typically require an upfront fee of approximately $500.
After my initial assessment and our meeting to discuss it, I will outline a plan and what the circumstances require, which may include a formal threat assessment, a complete threat investigation, a threat mitigation plan, support to implement the plan, and a scheduled threat reevaluation. Then you and I can discuss a fixed-cost contract for any additional services you need.
How soon can we get started?
I respond within two business days of your request, and I begin with a complimentary, confidential initial consultation. If your situation is urgent, call or text me at 571-643-2338.
Related Services
Each of my services is available individually or as part of a Security Director on Demand contract. Threat assessment often leads to a private investigation, a skip tracing or missing person investigation, or new emergency procedures, and training helps your staff recognize warning signs early. See my full list of services.