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

2. 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 )

3. 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)

4. 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)

5. 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!!!!!

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

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

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

9. 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)

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

11. 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

12. 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

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

14. 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!!!!!!!!!!

15. 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.

16. 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!!!!!!!!!!!

17. 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

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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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

25. RUN, HIDE, FIGHT

26. 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

27. QUESTIONS ??????

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