Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) Practice Exam

In conducting a terrorism-based risk analysis, which step should be executed first?

1. Identify potential threats

2. Complete a site assessment

3. Develop an emergency response plan

4. Engage local law enforcement

The correct answer is: Complete a site assessment

In conducting a terrorism-based risk analysis, the foundational step is to identify potential threats. Recognizing and understanding what specific threats could impact an organization or location is critical for informing subsequent actions, such as completing a site assessment or developing an emergency response plan. This initial identification enables risk analysts to prioritize vulnerabilities, evaluate the likelihood of different scenarios, and create a more targeted approach to risk management. Completing a site assessment and developing an emergency response plan are essential steps, but they are contingent on having a clear understanding of the potential threats. Engaging local law enforcement can enhance security measures and provide valuable insights, but this also relies on having first identified what specific threats need to be addressed. In summary, identifying potential threats informs the entire risk analysis process, making it the first necessary step to effectively assess and mitigate risks associated with terrorism.