What is the Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT)?
The Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) is a tool to assist in providing a safe living and learning environment for faculty, staff and students. Representing a cross section of college departments, support, intervention, warning/notification and response. The team then deploys college resources and resources of the community and coordinates follow-up.
When do I refer someone to the BIT?
If danger is imminent, always call 911.
Contact BIT if you experience concern about the well-being or safety of a WVU/Potomac State College student or any other person affecting the PSC community (including faculty, staff, parents, spouses, family members, and persons not affiliated with the campus) and are unsure about how to intervene or address the situation.
Some examples include:
- Highly disruptive and/or concerning behavior
- Bragging about having or actually possessing or brandishing a weapon on campus or storing one in vehicle
- Hostile, threatening or aggressive behavior
- Alarming references or infatuation with fires, firearms, knives or bombs
- Acts apparently motivated by hatred or discrimination
- Extreme alcohol or drug use
- Drastic, unexpected behavior changes
- Extreme verbal or written harassment or threats
- Extremes, or changes in, appearance such as looking disheveled, disoriented, extreme low energy or apathetic
- Disturbing writings or talking about suicide, violence in their past or future, obsessions with harming or violence
- Signs of paranoia or making references that are not germane to the topic or not related to the situational context
Individuals are expected to use their judgment as to what should be reported, erring on the side of over-reporting, when in doubt.
How to Contact BIT?
CALL 911 if violence is imminent or is occurring.
For non-emergencies you can email us at PSC-Cares@mail.wvu.edu with the following information:
- The name of the Individual of Concern or Group along with any known information about that individual or group
- A description of what you saw or heard. Written documentation includes description of what happened, what was said, when it happened, who was involved, and what action was taken. Write objectively and give a factual accounting of what happened in a non-judgmental manner. It is important to refrain from inserting personal analysis, opinions or conclusions about the person’s character.
- Your contact information isn’t required however it is vital that the BIT is able to communicate and follow up with the person reporting should additional information be needed to complete the assessment. Contact the Dean of Student Life or the University Police if you have concerns about confidentiality.
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Any other information that you believe is relevant
You may also contact the University Police by telephone at 304-788-4106 or by email at PSC-Police@mail.wvu.edu and/or you may contact the Acting Dean of Student Life at 304-788-6995 or at ls taylor@mail.wvu.edu .
Referrals are reviewed during regular business hours when the College is open (typically Monday - Friday, 8 am – 4:30 pm). Please note submissions are not monitored 24/7.
If this is an emergent situation or an immediate threat to self or others, please call 9-911 (on campus telephone) or 911 (cellular or off campus telephone).
What happens after I contact the BIT?
A BIT member will contact you, usually no later than the next business day, to gather additional information about your concern.