Workplace Violence
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Threats, threatening behavior, acts of violence against Edinboro University faculty, staff, administrators, students, and/or visitors within the Edinboro University community, or willful damage to property will not be tolerated. Violations of this policy may lead to disciplinary actions up to and including suspension, dismissal, arrest and prosecution.
If you are faced with threatening or violent behavior:
- Everyone is asked to assist in making each campus a safe place by being alert to suspicious situations and promptly reporting them.
- If you are a victim or witness to any on-campus offense, AVOID RISKS and contact the University Police immediately.
- Notify the University Police by calling 911 or the Police Emergency Number 814-732-2911. Report the incident, including the following:
- nature of the incident
- location of the incident
- description of the person(s) involved
- description of the property involved
Your actions may help calm a potentially violent situation, or they may escalate the problem. Always try to behave in a manner that helps to calm a situation:
- Stay calm. Don't be in a hurry.
- Be empathetic. Show you are concerned.
- Try to have the other person and yourself sit down. Sitting is a less aggressive position.
- Try to be helpful. For example, schedule an appointment for a later time.
- Give positive-outcome statements, such as "We can get this straightened out."
- Give positive feedback for continued talking, such as "I'm glad you're telling me how you feel."
- Stay out of arms' reach.
- Have limited eye contact.
- Take notes.
Avoid the following behaviors:
- Do not patronize.
- Do not yell or argue.
- Do not joke or be sarcastic.
- Do not touch the person.
If someone becomes agitated:
- Leave the scene immediately, if possible. Call the Edinboro University Police from a safe place. Dial Emergency 911 or the Police Emergency Number 814-732-2921
- Or try to alert a co-worker that there is a problem; e.g., by calling and using an agreed-upon code word to indicate trouble.
Practice preventive measures:
- Discuss and agree on circumstances and situations in the workplace that everyone should watch out for. Have procedures, signals and code words in place to deal with threatening situations.
- Avoid scheduling appointments for times when no one else is in the area. Alert your colleagues in advance about a difficult meeting, and keep the door to the room open, or meet in a public area.
- Try to avoid working alone after hours. If you have to work late, advise a colleague, friend or family member.
- When working after office hours, keep doors locked and do not open the door unless you are expecting someone.
- Report any strange or unusual activities in and around your workplace immediately to your supervisor and the police.
- Do not leave money or valuable belongings out in the open. Purses should be locked in a desk or cabinet.
- Lock your office and/or lab doors when these areas are not in use, even when you are leaving for "just a moment."
- Always walk in well-lit areas and know your surroundings. If you think you are being followed, do not go home; go where there are other people. Call the Edinboro University Police as soon as you are in a safe place.
- Report to Facilities any workplace locks, windows or lights that are in need of repair or attention.
psl 9/2007