Which statement best defines opportunity as used in threat assessment?

• A. When a suspect is within a secured perimeter but not armed.
• B. When a weapon or explosive device is in effective range to cause death or serious bodily harm.
• C. When a weapon is outside effective range but has potential to strike.
• D. When there is no intent to harm.

Answer: (B)

Opportunity in threat assessment means having the means to act and being close enough to do so right now. The best description is when a weapon or explosive device is within effective range to cause death or serious bodily harm, because that combines both the ability and the proximity to cause harm in the immediate moment. If a person is inside a secured area but unarmed, there’s no immediate means to harm. If a weapon is outside effective range, it isn’t actionable yet. And intent alone doesn’t define opportunity without the means and proximity to use them.