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Threat Profiling Research Paper

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THREAT PROFILING: Threat or Threat profiling is a method of proactively identifying threats based on human behavior. The key word is proactively. In Left of Bang, Patrick Van Horne and Jason A. Riley discuss this method and explains how to identify threat by using six domains; Kinesics, Biometric Cues, Proxemics, Geographics, Iconography, and Atmospherics (Van Horne, Riley 67). Kinesics: This is a big word that simply means the study of body language. Humans have inherited the ability to read signals gleaned from body language. The combined facial movements for happiness, sadness, contempt, anger, and surprise are easily identified in controlled settings. In a fast-paced environment, these same movements, displayed as micro expressions, may not be as easy to identify. Body posture is easier to identify and harder to mask. When the body is preparing to fight, posture is adjusted to look larger and more dominant. Is the individual watching and assessing you or other individuals in the area? Are the individual’s feet facing towards you or another individual in the area? This could signal …show more content…

The personal zone is space reserved for friends and acquaintances. This area varies from culture to culture. In western society, this space is within arm’s reach. Sometimes in society this zone is breached. The examples would be an elevator or on crowded public transportation (Van Horne, Riley 106). Proximity at a checkout line combined with other cues from other domains could indicate intent. Additionally, the way a person positions oneself around oneself could be an indicator. Is the person positioned between you and an escape route? Movement, specifically the way a person moves can also show intent. An individual following and matching speed while walking could indicate you are being followed. A person approaching you at gas pump should alert you as it is usually outside social

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