Workplace and Personal Safety “Staying Safe on Campus” Tony Berger PLU - Director of Campus Safety Joe Bell PLU – Environmental, Health & Safety Manager March 20, 2008 Thank you inviting us… Tony. 21 years of law enforcement experience: patrol deputy/juvenile investigation/domestic violence/sexual assault/crime analysis information unit. PLU unique opportunity to contract with the Pierce County Sherriff Department full-time CS Director since Dec. 2007. Separate incidents that have occurred in the library that have given cause for concern. Safety and Security Task Force has asked that we offer this training several additional times this spring to various departments. So, you are our BETA Test…We would like your feedback to assist us in making this presentation as pertinent and complete as possible.

Workplace and Personal Safety “Staying Safe on Campus” Why Violence Happens Prevention Management Keeping Yourself Safe Defusing Skills Objectives to Presentation… Why? You name it. Personal problems (relationships and divorce, money, substance abuse), professional problems (individual and conflict issues), mental health (depression, etc.), other health (terminal illnesses, etc.), all cause people to act out. Some act violently. Prevention: Pay attention to mood swings, absenteeism, erratic behavior. If you feel comfortable, talk it out and recommend help. If not, talk to a supervisor or mutual friend. If problems persist and you have tried to help call Campus Safety. Safe: Do not confront bad behavior in kind. Be the adult, offer help. If confronted, back away or seek help. Skills: Some of us are better than others at defusing a volatile situation. Be non-accusatory and non-threatening. Don’t blame or get mad in return. Be calm. If the situation still escalates, look for a way out, buy time for yourself.

Workplace Personal Safety “Staying Safe on Campus” Workplace Violence Usually Falls into 4 Categories Violence by Strangers Violence by a Customer Violence by Co-worker Present or Former Violence by Personal Relations *Workplace Violence Is: Any situation in the workplace that threatens an employee’s physical or psychological well being or causes damage to company property. Strangers – Perpetrator has no relationship to business / employees, just committing a crime (robbery most common) in junction with the violence (verbal threats, threatening behavior or physical assault. Working / walking alone late at night. Dangerous situation, most fatalities related to workplace violence. Pay close attention to those in your work area. Do you know him? Does he appear to know what he is doing? Does he/she appear to belong? What other motivation might he/she have to be here (to stay warm, to use the bathroom, to steal stuff, etc.) Do not be afraid to ask questions. If the response is hostile, call CS right away. 2) Customer – Legitimate relationship with library and becomes violent while being served. Employee providing direct service. Represents majority of non-fatal injury in WA. Try not to escalate the situation. Live to fight another day. Get the person’s name for follow-up. Co-worker – Employee or former employee. Any workplace at risk. The perpetrator may commit violence (verbal / physical) for any reason: harass & embarrass (ongoing conflicts w/ supervisor or co-workers), revenge (loss of job), frustration (threat of job loss/discipline/failure to receive raise or promotion), fear, emotional instability (substance abuse/financial difficulties/low self-esteem). A lot of attention to this type of violence, although a small percentage of fatalities. Try to work it out, go to supervisor. Go through established grievance procedure if you feel you have not gotten satisfaction. Personal Relations – Not a relationship w/ business, although relationship with intended victim outside the workplace. Includes: Former spouse (divorce/separation), love (break-up/stalking), relative, friend, acquaintance. Ask advice from professionals, Women’s Center, Campus Safety, etc.

Prevention Methods Employee Management Escort Visitors to Destinations Report Unexpected Presence to CS Keep CS Phone # Handy Report Any Signs of Break-in, Missing Items, or Disturbances to CS Create a Threat Code Word, Phrase, or Signal among Co-workers Maintain PLU Security Codes and Passwords in Strictest Confidence Management Provide Security, Passwords and Codes, Surveillance Cameras, Restricted Entry Screen Job Applicants Security “Hot Line” for Reporting Threats Restricted from Campus Policy and Notification Not sure what “Hot Line” means. “Hot Line”: x7911 Campus Safety Emergency “Blue Light” Stations.

Library Notification Sign-in Boards Procedures? How do you keep your building / work area notified during off-hours? Left: North loading dock, look here for CSIN or Custodial, etc. If alarm is de-activated (off) before/after hours and nothing is written on the board call CS Right: South entrance to CATS. CSIN usually does not come in here.

3A’s Be “Aware” Stay “Alert” Be “Assertive” Areas of Particular Danger Stairwells, Alleyways, Elevators, Unlit Hallways, Parking Lots and Garages Stay “Alert” Don’t be Distracted Watch People Around You Listen for Unusual Noises / Movement Be “Assertive” Look Confident, Purposeful, and Organized Keep Head Up, Know Where You Are Going, Limit Contact With Strangers, Keep One Hand Free Report Suspicious Characters or Situations Your best defense against crime are knowledge and foresight. Never underestimate your ability to protect yourself… You can take steps to avoid being a victim. Aware: Make it your business to watch what is going on around you. Be aware of particular areas of danger. Alert: As much as possible don’t be distracted by other concerns. Assertive: Avoid sending out the message that you are an easy target.

Personal Conduct Do’s and Don’ts Communicate Hostilities Reject Demands Pose in Challenging Stances Make Sudden Movements Challenge, Threaten, or Dare Criticize Attempt to Bargain Lessen the Situation Make False Statements Take Sides Invade the Individuals Space DO’S Project Calmness Be Empathetic Listener Focus Attention Maintain Relaxed Posture Acknowledge Feelings Ask for Small, Specific Favors Establish Ground Rules Use Delaying Tactics Be Reassuring Accept Criticism Ask for Recommendations Avoid Being Blocked from Exit Defusing Skills Do’s Move and speak slowly, quietly & softly Encourage the individual to talk and listen patiently Focus on the other person to let them know you are interested At right angles instead of in-front Acknowledge the person is upset Ie: Move to a quieter area If unreasonable behavior continues, calmly describe the consequences of violent behavior To give person time to calm down Point out choices, Break bigger issues into smaller ones Don’ts Use styles of communication that generate hostilities: brush-off, coldness, apathy, strickly by the rules, condensceding, or run-around From the start Directly in front of, hands on hips, crossing arms. No physical contact, figer pointing, long fixed eye contact Seen as threatening. Tone/volume of voice/rate of speech Do not belittle, make the person feel foolish Act impatiently toward agitated individual Promises you can not keep

Problem Solving Scenarios Employee receives a worrisome/threatening e-mail, text message? An argument breaks out in library and escalates into a physical altercation? A colleague confides about fear regarding a potential workplace violence situation? A student must walk home from a night class. How can you make this safer? You feel threatened or bullied by a colleague, student, visitor? You have a new employee. What do they need to know about safety in your dept.? PLU Violence Prevention Policy, Report Form, Personal Safety Policy

Workplace and Personal Safety “Staying Safe on Campus” Reading Material: “The Gift of Fear” Author: Gavin DeBecker QUESTIONS ? COMMENTS ? Book: Author whose philosophy is freedom from fear…Based upon self intuition…Act upon your survival signals…Trust your instincts…Don’t create fear where there is none Distinguishes between true danger and imagined danger.