THE WHOLE STORY Maryland Association of Counties Winter Conference Presented by: The Maryland Community Crime Prevention Institute Bruce A. Lohr 410-875-3422

WORKPLACE VIOLENCE Any physical assault, threatening behavior, or verbal abuse taking place in the work setting A workplace may be any location, permanent or temporary where an employee performs any work related duty ( OSHA )

VIOLENCE 2,000,000 victims in U.S. each year 13,827 homicides from 1992 – 2010 Leading cause of death in the workplace for females (Bureau of Labor / OSHA)

Sources of Violence Strangers Customers / Clients / Consumers Employees Former Employees Spouse or significant other of employee Doesn’t work there but has a relationship with an employee (FBI / U.S. DOJ / BCPD)

Assessing Threats Although lots of people issue threats that are harmless and the result of frustration, ALL threats should be taken seriously!! ALL THREATS SHOULD BE REPORTED!!!!!

WARNING SIGNS Low frustration tolerance Frequently changes jobs Impulsive Overly sensitive Low self esteem Socially isolated Signs of depression

WARNING SIGNS Declining customer service skills Blaming others Overly sensitive Doesn’t accept responsibility Displays of temper Frequently angry Holds grudges

WARNING SIGNS Poor co-worker relationships Declining job performance Insubordination Violations of policy / procedure Safety violations Increased substance abuse / alcohol / CDS Substance abuser

WARNING SIGNS Increased use of leave Unplanned weight loss Decrease in personal hygiene Increased personal phone calls Lack of energy / dedication Tosses threats easily Making threats verbal / written (Even jokingly)

WARNING SIGNS Suicidal comments (even jokingly) Committing crimes while on duty Destruction of property Carrying weapons Violent acts History of violence Preoccupied with violence

WARNING SIGNS Odd or bizarre beliefs The organization is his / her family Entitlement mentality *One of the proceeding does not mean there is definitely a threat* *However, it should raise a “red flag”* Failure to respond could lead to a traumatic incident

COST OF WORKPLACE VIOLENCE Trauma to victims and others Loss of manpower Decreased productivity Lowered morale Psychological and/or physiological dysfunction People have to be comfortable at work

AGENCY SUPPORT Clear policy and guidelines Threat Management Teams Open channels of communications Secure environment Crisis response teams

POLICY AND PREVENTION Support, don’t punish, REPORTERS or VICTIMS of workplace / domestic violence Create a climate of trust and respect between management and employees. Make it a comfortable environment to report problems Workplace Violence Policy and Prevention Programs should be communicated and reinforced to employees through training programs There has to be FAIR and CONSISTENT application of policy!!!!!!!!!!

THREAT MANAGEMENT TEAM Provides plans to advise managers where they can get help in an emergency. In some cases a threat assessment will be completed before disciplinary action is taken. Teams should include: security; human resources; medical; employee assistance and union groups.

THREAT MANAGEMENT TEAM ALSO: Contact law enforcement; mental health; emergency response personnel; and anybody else who could be involved in an incident. BE PROACTIVE!! Do this before anything happens!!!!! THESE RELATIONSHIPS SHOULD BE MAINTAINED!!!!!!!!!!!

PREVENTION TECHNIQUES Frustration breeds aggression Violent behavior is a choice No tolerance for violence – should be the policy and made clear to all employees This includes threats and harassment

PREVENTION TECHNIQUES Intervention is the best prevention All violent acts should be reported Recognize warning signs Have a personal safety plan

MINIMIZING YOUR RISK YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY’S AT STAKE!!!!!! IF YOU CAN SAFELY EXIT DO IT!!!!!! IF YOU CAN’T: Approach with caution Remain calm Seek help Move slowly Scan for potential weapons

PERSONAL SAFETY Be courteous and respectful Watch non-verbal cues and body language Reduce stressors – disperse onlookers Don’t argue; don’t be quick to agree Don’t ridicule or belittle Don’t make threats Allow person to vent

PERSONAL SAFETY Negotiate if possible but don’t try to trick the person LISTEN……LISTEN…….LISTEN……….. Good prevention measure is to arrange your office so you can’t be trapped in it

PERSONAL SAFETY Begins the second you enter the property Look for suspicious circumstances / persons before you exit your vehicle WHEN IN DOUBT DON’T GET OUT!!!!!! TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS EXIT THE AREA AND CONTACT POLICE

PERSONAL SAFETY Don’t allow easy access Ask “Can I help you?” unless you feel threatened – TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS!!!! Report suspicious activity in and out of the building Do not leave valuables unattended Do not allow easy access to your office, cubicle, or other work area

REMEMBER……………………………. There is no profile of a perpetrator Look for patterns and warning signs They can help identify potential problems HOWEVER, they are not all inclusive or exclusive Prepare and practice for the worst, be proactive Don’t ever have the attitude it can’t or won’t happen here

RUN, HIDE, FIGHT

REMEMBER………………………….. No hard fast rules with an active shooter Use common sense Assess immediate threats and risks EXIT, EVACUATE if safe to do so If not choose to hide and shelter Prepare to fight if you must

QUESTIONS ??????

SOURCES Department of Justice OSHA Bureau of Labor Baltimore County PD MPCTC FBI City of Houston, Texas