The MOSAIC System for assessing threats to judicial officials has restricted access. With few exceptions, this MOSAIC is made available to law enforcement agencies only. Qualified users can request additional information below.
In the mid-nineties, Ted Calhoun of the United States Marshals Service undertook a major research project to advance knowledge about threats and attacks on Federal judges. He studied and analyzed more than 3,000 cases, and organized many new concepts to enhance assessments of threats against Federal judges. Calhoun felt that these threats – often made by people whose lives were directly affected by the Court – were inherently different from threats to other public figures, with whom the threateners rarely had any real contact. Further study indicated he was right.
The Marshals Service selected the MOSAIC method for applying Calhoun’s new research, and Gavin de Becker & Associates was commissioned to co-develop a new system: MOSAIC for Assessment of Threats to Judges (MAJ).
In Ted Calhoun’s excellent book, HUNTERS AND HOWLERS: Threats & Violence Against Federal Judicial Officials, he describes the method that evolved into this MOSAIC:
“The whole approach is informed by an intelligent, comprehensive process of thinking. De Becker’s assessments are the best because he asks the most comprehensive questions, and he consistently asks them of every communication. To do less risks more.”
A variation of this MOSAIC is now used by Sheriff’s Deputies, bailiffs, and others tasked to protect judges and other judicial officials.