2. By: Cheryl L Wieser, CPP
Regional Security Officer
US Department of
Commerce
(206) 526-6653
Fax: (206) 526-4543
Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See
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Something about me…
32yrs with the Federal
Government
Law enforcement
Investigator
Security Specialist
5th Degree Black Belt in Karate
1st Degree Black Belt in
Weapons
Teaching Women’s self defense
since 1981
3. …any location either permanent or temporary where an employee
performs any work-related duty.
Includes, but is not limited to, the building, surrounding
perimeters, parking lots, field locations, client’s homes and
traveling to and from work assignments.
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Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See
A workplace is…
4. Workplace violence is…
…any physical assault, threatening behavior, or verbal abuse
occurring in a work setting including…
…aggravated assault, sexual assault, product tampering,
sabotage, homicide, includes acts committed during
robberies
… the second leading cause of death in the workplace overall
…the leading causes of death in the workplace for females
1 out of 20 women will be the victim of a stalker
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Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See
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Violent acts are caused by…
…disgruntled employee(s)
…domestic disturbance(s)
…delusional person(s)
(i.e. Employees, former employees, contractors, customers &
vendors)
6. 6
Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See
Disgruntled Employee(s)…
Long Tenure
Stressor causes violence
End of the line
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Domestic Disturbance(s)…
Violence spills over into the
workplace
8. Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See
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Delusional Person(s)…
Acts against perceived to be wrong
No connection to organization
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Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See
Patterns and Profiles...
Look for patterns rather than individual warning signs
Profiles can help identify potential problems – HOWEVER – they
are not all inclusive or exclusive
10. 1
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Perpetrator “Profile”
Problem Employee
History of violent behavior
Intimidates others
Possible substance abuse
Obsessed with guns
Interested in past acts of violence in the workplace
Makes open and veiled threats
Obsessed with work
Loner
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Perpetrator “Profile”
Usually Male
Paranoid
Can’t take criticism
Holds a grudge
13. Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See
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NVCV, FBI Academy
Serials Killers
Serial Rapists
Workplace Violence
All have the same stressors
14. Is workplace violence an epidemic?
CDC says…
Violence has reached “epidemic proportions”
111,000 violent incidents occur per year
750 – 1,000 workplace homicides occur per year
Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See
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15. Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See
Requires protection against workplace violence hazards –
workplace violence
Tort liability for negligent hiring, supervision, training and
retention
Have written policy against workplace violence
Communicate it to all employees
Establish an effective EAP
Occupational Safety and Health Act…
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16. Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See
Lose 1,751,100 work days a year
Domestic violence cost $31 billion a year
75% use of company time for personal business
54% of battered women miss work an average of 18 days
74% of abused women are harassed at work
56% of abused women are late for work at least 60 days a year
28% of abused women leave work early 60 days a year
½ of abused women are disciplined for low job performance
Costs to companies…
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What can organizations do?
Prepare employees for downsizing
Implement humane termination policies
Provide job skills training
Provide counseling
Conduct threat assessments
Better use of pre-screening and background
investigations!
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The Safety & Security Officer’s Role…
Educate
Workplace violence can and does happen
Listen
Be prepared to listen to employee concerns
Work with management
Prepare a response plan
Analyze past incidents
Assess potential for violence
Assess preparedness
19. Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See
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Develop a Response Team…
Employee assistance personnel
Personnel specialists
Medical professionals
Law enforcement
Guard force
Local police
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Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See
Responding to Imminent Threats…
Remain calm
Speak softly
Respect personal space – keep a safe distance
Buy time
Focus on the person and not the weapons
Negotiate – get as many “yes” responses as you can
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Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See
Why don’t employees report suspicions?
Fear of becoming a target
Fear of retaliation
Don’t want to get involved
22. Security is Everyone's Responsibility – See
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Notice someone acting odd?
Picking up on a pattern?
SEE SOMETHING – SAY
SOMETHING!