Defining Threat, Vulnerability, and Risk

As you review the six readings, consider their value. What elements do they contain that might assist you
with putting together your threat assessment?
Select and answer three of the questions on the discussion board (about two paragraphs each). You can
select one question from week 1, and two from week two; or you can answer all three from the same week.
READINGS: Tusikov & Fahlman, UNODC, UTEP

1. Briefly summarize what you learned from each reading.
2. Who is the audience for the NTAS bulletin? As an analyst, do you find the bulletin to be beneficial? Why
   or why not?
3. Seeing as we aren't specializing in fusion centers, why do you think I had you read the Annual Fusion
   Center Threat Assessment?
4. Carter's chart (p.540) summarizes the differences between traditional, case-based collection of
   information and an intelligence-based perspective. Which system would you prefer to work in, and why?
   READINGS: Intelligence Requirements and Threat Assessments (Carter); Annual Fusion Center Threat
   Assessment; NTAS Bulletin
5. What are the similarities and differences between the structure of a threat assessment and an
   intelligence product?
6. Define threat; risk; vulnerability; and harm. How do they relate to each other?
7. Explain a market-based approach to criminal intelligence.
8. Why is SLEIPNIR important in discerning the threat of various groups?
9. Kent's vulnerability key is vastly underutilized in the US. Why do you think this is?
10. In discussing the potential of criminal groups, we should address capabilities, intentions, limitations,
    vulnerabilities, and opportunities. Select a criminal group and apply these categories, providing examples of
    what these elements might consist of.
11. Does your agency follow the steps outlined in Part 2 of the SOCTA? Why or why not?

Sample Solution