Crime Prevention VIOLENCE IN THE WORKPLACE

1. Crime Prevention VIOLENCE IN THE WORKPLACE Part I • This TCLEOSE approved Crime Prevention Curriculum is the property of TxSSC-ICJS CRIME PREVENTION II

2. LEARNING OBJECTIVES

3. A portion of this presentation is provided by • Tom Carney North Miami Beach Police Department for the Florida Crime Prevention Association 16901 NE 19th Avenue North Miami, FL 33162 • Business Health Services 1-800-765-EAPS www.bhsonline.com

4. Goal of This Presentation Participants will learn about workplace violence, including legal issues, prevention, intervention, and response.

5. Presentation Objectives • Define workplace violence • Review The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 • Discuss the primary elements of a workplace violence prevention program and policy • Discuss pre-employment screening • Learn about negligent hiring and retention

6. Presentation Objectives(continued) • Identify the characteristics of employee disenchantment • Review stalking and workplace violence • Learn ways to prevent workplace violence during termination • Examine the various aspects of physical security

7. It is estimated that nearly 25 percent of all workplace violence goes unreported.Source: Business Health Services FACT

8. Definition of Workplace Violence Any act against an employee that creates a hostile work environment and negatively affects the employee, either physically or psychologically

9. Four Types of Workplace Violence The person who came to commit the crime • Has norelationship to the workplace • Is the recipient of a service Source:Workplace Violence: Issues in Response, U.S. DOJ, FBI

10. Four Types of Workplace Violence The person who came to commit the crime • Has an employment relationship with a current or former employee • Has a personal relationship with a current or former employee

11. Four Types of Workplace Violence • No relationship • Recipient of service • Employment relationship • Personal relationship with employee

12. Why Be Concerned About Violence in the Workplace? • It makes sound business sense • Avoid exposure to litigation • Safety of employees

13. Financial Impact of Workplace Violence on American Businesses • Each year almost 1 million individuals become victims of violent crime while working. • About 500,000 victims of violent crime in the workplace lose an estimated 1.8 million workdays each year. • The average cost to Amercian businesses each year is estimated to be $36 billion dollars. Source:Bureau of Justice Statistics

14. Legal Issues Involved in Workplace Violence Lawsuits • Often lawsuits involve • Negligent hiring • Negligent retention • Negligent supervision • Inadequate security

15. TRAINING Is The KEY You, as the crime prevention practitioner can conduct management as well as employee violence in the workplace prevention training!

16. The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970

17. OSHA Guidelines • Not mandatory • Implementation reduces citations for violations of the General Duty Clause ? This is the “Yes”, but if you do not there is a consequence clause…..

18. Management Commitment Toward Employees • Zero-tolerance policy • Allocate sufficient resources • Develop a system of accountability

19. Management Commitment Toward Employees – Cont’d • Provide medical and psychological counseling • Study trends and security measures • Implement training and educational programs

20. Excerpt From the National Crime Prevention Council’s Workplace Violence Guidelines “The National Crime Prevention Council maintains a zero-tolerance policy …” “Violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination from employment. Additionally, violations of this policy will be reported to the appropriate authorities when warranted and therefore may be subject to civil and/or criminal charges or penalties.”

21. Excerpt From the National Crime Prevention Council’s Workplace Violence Guidelines (continued) “All NCPC associates should immediately report to management or Human Resources any threatening behavior that they witnessed, were subjected to, or of which they have knowledge. Human resources will investigate any suspected incident of violent or threatening behavior and take appropriate action. No associate shall be subject to retaliation or retribution of any kind for reporting a suspected incident of workplace violence.”

22. WHO Investigates Initial Violations? • Associates should immediately report to management or Human Resources • Human Resources – investigates.

23. Primary Elements of anEffective WorkplaceViolence Prevention Program • Planning • Policies • Training • Physical Security

24. Basics of Planning • Threat assessment team • Assess current conditions • Establish and implement policies • Employee Assistance Program

25. Basics of Planning (cont’) • Develop a training program • Prepare a crisis response plan • Test and improve the program on a regular basis

26. Basics of Policy • Periodic updates to policies • Review by legalcounsel and insurance carrier • Review and update procedures to implement policies

27. Basics of Policy – Cont’d • Training on Policies and Procedures • Emphasize new and amended policies

28. Basics of Training • Review workplace violence policies • Implement and/or discuss your Employee Assistance Program • Practice effective pre-employment screening methods • Train management and employees

29. Basics of Training(continued) • Effective termination and layoff practices • Recognize and report potential workplace violence problems • Review crisis response plan

30. Basics of Physical Security • Conduct a threat assessment • Incorporate Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) strategies

31. Pre-EmploymentScreeningandHiring

32. Pre-Employment Screening • Check references • Developed sources

33. Hiring and Retention • Look for warning signs • What is negligent hiring? • What are foreseeable circumstances? • What are propensities?

34. Hiring and Retention(continued) Current wisdom—give the barest of facts when contacted for job references versus “Affirmative duty” to disclose negative information

35. Factors leading to Violence in the Workplace • Employee Disenchantment • Absenteeism • Turnover • Three Levels of Violence • Aggressive Behavior

36. Employee Disenchantment Disenchanted employee is another term for disgruntled employee. This person may not be happy with his or her supervisor or with the job itself, or may be unhappy because of personal circumstances that have carried over to the workplace. A person who is disenchanted in the workplace could show the propensity toward workplace violence.

37. Employee Disenchantment (continued) • Employee disenchantment can result from • Confusion • Lack of trust • Office politics

38. Employee Disenchantment (continued) • Employee disenchantment can result from • Meaningless job • Employee not knowing if he or she is succeeding in his or her job performance • Boss takes credit for employee’s work

39. Absenteeism • Reasons for chronic absenteeism include • Conflict with management style • Working conditions • Employees’ relationships with one another

40. Absenteeism – Cont’d • Personal problems • 75% of all absenteeism is relationship-based

41. The Three Levels of Violence

42. Levels of Violence: Level One • The employee • Refuses to cooperate with immediate supervisor • Spreads rumors and gossip • Consistently argues with co-workers or management

44. Levels of Violence: Level OneContinued: • The employee • Is belligerent toward customers • Swears at others • Makes unwanted sexual comments

45. Levels of Violence: Level Two • The employee • Refuses to obey company policy • Sabotages equipment and steals property • Verbalizes wishes to hurt co-worker (s) or management

46. KILLER

47. Levels of Violence: Level Two • The employee • Writes sexually violent notes • Sees self as victimized by management

48. Levels of Violence: Level Three • The employee • Has suicidal thoughts • Has physical fights on the job • Uses weapons • Commits violent acts/crimes

49. in the Workplace Aggressive Behavior

50. Alarm Emotional Distress Anger Aggressive Workplace Behavior Involves • Fear • Intimidation • Capitulation • Punishment • Anxiety