Which action is required for written threats?

• A. Rewrite the threat verbatim on another piece of paper.
• B. Paraphrase the threat in your own words.
• C. File the threat without copies.
• D. Report it verbally only.

Answer: (A)

Preserving evidence and maintaining accuracy is the key idea. When a written threat is found, the exact wording matters for later investigation and any potential legal action. Reproducing the threat verbatim on a separate sheet creates a precise, unaltered duplicate while leaving the original intact for verification. This protects the integrity of the content and the chain of custody, which investigators rely on to understand exactly what was said.

Paraphrasing changes the language and can remove or alter important details, making it harder to assess intent or credibility. Filing without copies risks losing the threat entirely, and reporting it verbally only fails to capture the written content for records and evidence. After duplicating the threat exactly, follow your organization’s reporting procedures—note where and when it was found, who handled it, and secure the documents for transmission to the appropriate authorities.