ST. PAUL, MN - Governor Tim Walz and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) today introduced a new statewide prevention strategy designed to enhance public safety and prevent acts of targeted violence before they occur.

“There is no room for targeted violence in our communities,” said Governor Walz. “Using data-driven research and a broad team of public safety and mental health professionals, we are doubling down on our work to combat targeted violence across the state and prevent it from occurring in the first place.”

Developed by a multidisciplinary team of law enforcement, mental health professionals, educators, and community leaders, this strategy applies scientific research and evidence-based practices to prevent targeted violence in schools, workplaces, and public spaces. It focuses on identifying, assessing, and managing potential threats while ensuring privacy rights and civil liberties remain protected.

“Minnesota has felt the immense pain caused by targeted violence, which has left behind the scars of fear and sorrow in our communities,” said BCA Superintendent Drew Evans. “We will never forget these events, and with this strategy we will continue to work in partnership with our law enforcement, mental health, and community organizations to intervene and help stop future acts of targeted violence from happening.”

Key components of the strategy include:

• Building awareness and capacity: Equipping Minnesota's communities, institutions, and law enforcement agencies with the knowledge and resources to recognize early warning signs of violence through enhanced training, regional training networks, and strengthened regional awareness.
• Investigative support and consultation: Providing support to various sectors — including public safety agencies, schools, faith-based organizations, and workplaces — to evaluate and manage threats.
• Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM): A statewide BCA-led team consisting of trained professionals from law enforcement, mental health, public health, and social services who are dedicated to assessing, evaluating, and supporting local stakeholders by providing consultation on threat management activities.
• Ongoing monitoring and evaluation: Ensuring the strategy’s effectiveness through continuous monitoring, evaluation, and improvement.

This strategy is a proactive step toward ensuring Minnesotans have access to the resources and support needed to prevent violence at its earliest stages. For more information on Minnesota’s Targeted Violence Prevention Strategy and how communities can get involved, visit the BCA’s website at bca.dps.mn.gov.

To report concerning or suspicious behavior, call the BCA Tip line at 877-996-6222, email [email protected] or download the BCA tip app.