ACOG BOARD MEMBERS PARTICIPATE IN U.S. SECRET SERVICE THREAT ASSESSMENT TRAINING

The Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG) Board of Directors recently participated in a specialized threat assessment training presented by the U.S. Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC), furthering ACOG’s commitment to strengthening public safety and community preparedness across central Oklahoma.

The Mass Attacks in Public Spaces / Threat Assessment training was coordinated through the 911 Institute of Oklahoma, established by ACOG in 1994 to provide emergency dispatchers with top-quality, affordable, nationally accredited training. Since its inception, the Institute has trained more than 1,200 dispatchers, delivered more than 225 classes, helped more than 550 professionals earn national certifications, and has become a recognized model for 911 training across Oklahoma.

For more than 20 years, the U.S. Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center has studied the behaviors and circumstances surrounding acts of targeted violence. Its research demonstrates that targeted violence is often preventable when communities recognize concerning behaviors early and intervene before a crisis occurs.

During the training, Board members explored findings from NTAC’s research publication, Mass Attacks in Public Spaces: 2016–2020, which examined incidents nationwide to identify common warning behaviors and opportunities for prevention. Participants learned how communities can use a multidisciplinary approach to identify, assess, and manage potential threats before violence occurs.

The same training has also been presented to emergency dispatch professionals through the 911 Institute of Oklahoma, reinforcing the Institute’s mission of bringing nationally recognized public safety education to those who serve Oklahoma’s communities. Extending this opportunity to ACOG’s Board members helps ensure regional leaders share a common understanding of threat assessment principles and the importance of prevention.

“Strong communities begin with informed leadership,” said Mark W. Sweeney, AICP, ACOG Executive Director. “Providing our Board members with access to nationally recognized training like this strengthens our region’s ability to support local governments, emergency responders, and public safety partners in creating safer communities.”

The training underscored that preventing targeted violence is a shared responsibility. Law enforcement, emergency communications professionals, educators, behavioral health providers, businesses, local governments, and community leaders all play an important role in recognizing concerning behaviors, sharing information appropriately, and connecting individuals with resources before a situation escalates.

As the ACOG region prepares to become the first—and currently the only—region in Oklahoma with a fully implemented Next Generation 911 system, ACOG remains committed to investing in the people who help protect our communities. Through the 911 Institute of Oklahoma and partnerships with organizations like the U.S. Secret Service, ACOG continues to provide nationally recognized training that strengthens regional collaboration, enhances preparedness, and supports safer communities across central Oklahoma.