MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE Workplace Violence / Active Shooter Presenter introduction Program divided into two sections Patrick M. O’Flynn Andrew Forsythe Sheriff Undersheriff

WORKPLACE VIOLENCE Employees just don’t snap one day, there are many indicators over time. Learn to recognize these indicators.

WHAT IS WORKPLACE VIOLENCE Workplace violence is violence or the threat of violence against workers. It can occur at or outside the workplace. It can range from threats and verbal abuse to physical assaults and homicide. It can evolve to an active shooter incident. However it manifests itself, workplace violence is a growing concern for employers and employees nationwide. Definition from US Sept. of labor. Against workers and employers

WHAT TO LOOK FOR Increase use of alcohol and/or illegal drugs. Increase in absenteeism. Decrease in appearance and hygiene Depression. Mood swings. Talks of problems at home. Talk of financial problems. Change in faith to radical sects Suicidal comments about putting things in order

INDICATORS Resistance to rules / regulations. Repeated violations of policy. Unstable emotional responses. Explosive outbursts without provocation. Paranoia (everyone is against me) Talk about previous incidents of violence Empathy with individuals committing violence Increase unsolicited comments about firearms, other dangerous weapons and violence.

VICTIM Report to your Supervisor or appropriate HR personnel. Report to police. Report violations of suspect conduct Suspect visiting worksite. Violation of orders. Violation of workplace rules/regulations. Why to your supervisor and HR person – safeguard to you and company. Police Options : arrest, report only, interview of suspect orders of protection – arrest necessary for an order. Victims advocate – help you through the legal system and counseling.

EMPLOYERS Establish a zero tolerance policy against workplace harassments / violence. Ensure employees know the policy – employee handbook. Encourage employees to report cases to police. Support employees going through the legal process. Investigate all incidents and threats. Incorporate a buddy system or escort service. Provide prompt medical treatment if necessary. Offer stress counseling. When an arrest is made encourage and support victim to follow through.

ACTIVE SHOOTER

ACTIVE SHOOTERS Intent on killing as many as possible in a populated confined area. Targets are generally picked at random. Use of a firearm is used in most cases. Evolve quickly and are unpredictable. Cannot be negotiated with. Active shooters understand they will not survive the incident. Usually over within 10-15 minutes.

KNOW YOUR BUILDING Explore your building and know the exits and different routes out of the building. If visiting a building make note of as many exit locations as possible. Conduct an emergency evacuation plan. Know how to lock your doors and keep doors secure when possible. Know who belongs in your building. Challenge strangers and report suspicious persons or conditions. Suspects may try to inspect building prior to incident

CONTROLLING ACCESS POINTS Main entrance Point of contact – receptionist, security. Panic alarms, cameras. Proper locking Mechanisms Door that is difficult to penetrate. Secure windows.

DOOR AND WINDOW SECURITY Lock doors properly. Keep doors locked in critical areas. Security film on critical windows. Maintain adherence to security regulations. Support security personnel in the job they were hired to do. Disclaimer - Videos – The Sheriff’s Office does not endorse 3M or Madico company products. The videos are for illustration purposes only.

ACTIVE SHOOTER IN YOUR VICINITY RUN, HIDE, FIGHT- outlined in next three slides

RUN If you can evacuate – do so Have an escape route in mind. Leave your property behind. Help others escape, if possible Don’t let others slow you down with indecision. Prevent others from entering. Call 911 when safe to do so.

HIDE If you are unable to leave, try to find a place to hide: Out of shooters view. Behind something that may offer protection from shots fired in your direction. Do not trap yourself in case you need to move. Lock doors. Barricade doors. Silence cell phones. Turn off other noise sources (radio, TV). Remain quiet

FIGHT As a last resort only when your life is in danger. Disrupt or incapacitate the active shooter by: Acting as aggressively as possible against him/her. Throw items and improvise weapons. Yelling. Warrior mindset. Commit no mater what.

Evacuate Hide Out Take action against shooter

CALLING 911 Give address and name of building. Location within the building. Location of entry. Description of the suspect(s). Clothing Gender Physical Weapons Vehicles Landline – 911 knows your address immediately Cell phone – 911 does not know your address right away – will take time pin location

POLICE RESPONSE / ACTIVE SHOOTER Locate and stop shooter. Secure area. Evacuate Rescue survivors. Facilitate aid to wounded.

WHEN POLICE ARRIVE Do not have anything in your hands. Keep hands up and visible to responding officers. Remain calm, avoid pointing, screaming or yelling. Follow instructions. Do not ask questions unless asked by officers. Do not attempt to help wounded.

YOU MAY SEE OFFICERS: In patrol uniforms or in tactical uniforms. From different agencies Armed with rifles, shotguns, handguns, ballistic shields. Arrive in teams of 3 to 5. Shout commands and push individuals to the ground for safety reasons. Dispense chemical irritants.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PREPARE Train your staff with an emergency action plan: A preferred method for reporting emergencies. Evacuation policy. Emergency escape plan. (floor plans, safe areas). Emergency notification system to alert: Employees at remote Local law enforcement. Area hospitals. Training exercises – mock active shooter exercises.

SOURCES US Department of Homeland Security, Active Shooter, How to Respond. Federal Bureau of investigation. A Study of Active Shooter Incidents 2000-2013. US Dept. of Labor, OSHA Fact Sheet – Workplace Violence. Police Executive Research Forum, March 2014, The Police Response to Active Shooter Incidents. City Of Houston Mayor’s Office of Public Safety. Madico Safety Film Demo. 3M Safety Film Demo. Spotedge Media Video. QUESTIONS?