Emergency: Threatening and
Violent Behavior
Steps to Follow
Threats may be statements of intention or
expressions of strong emotion. They can be
indirect or direct, verbal or nonverbal. Shaking
a fist or pounding the desk, throwing things, and
showing a weapon are all examples of nonverbal threats.
Verbal threats may be indirect expressions of
frustration or anger directed toward a person or office
or they may be direct statements of the intention to
harm. These situations are complex, and it is not
expected that individuals will be able to assess
whether the threat is serious and might actually lead
to harm. However, it is expected that university
employees consider any threat or display of hate as
potentially serious.
Most people who commit violent acts exhibit
warning signs. It is important to take seriously
any behaviors or words that imply threat and consult
appropriate people to assess the risk and plan
interventions.
Steps to Follow
- If the threat is immediate, leave the
situation if possible and call the Department
of Public Safety, 6-6666 or 911. If
threats or bizarre behavior indicate possible
danger, personal safety is the top priority
For an angry or hostile customer or
coworker
- Stay calm.
- Listen attentively.
- Maintain eye contact.
- Be courteous. Be patient. Be
respectful.
- Keep the situation in your control.
If shouting, swearing, and threatening,
continue
- Signal a coworker or supervisor,
that you need help (have a
prearranged code or alarm system).
- Do not make any calls yourself.
- Have someone call the Department of
Public Safety or police
If someone is threatening you with a gun,
knife, or other weapon
- Stay calm. Quietly signal for help
using an alarm or code system.
- Maintain eye contact.
- Stall for time.
- Keep talking--but follow
instructions from the person who
has the weapon.
- Don't risk harm to yourself or
others.
- Never try to grab the weapon
- Watch for a possible chance to
escape to a safe area.
Adapted from Federal Protective Service
U.S. General Services Administration
guideline.
- If the threat isn't immediate, consult
appropriate resources for help in assessing
the level of danger, determining an
appropriate intervention, and choosing
appropriate safety measures. Resources to
consult in addition to the administrator in
charge are:
- Office of the Dean of Student Life,
6-3216
- Director or associate director of
the Counseling Center, 6-3227
- Director of human resources
a. If, after the consultation, it is
determined that the threat is serious and may
result in danger to a member of the
university community, take the following
steps:
- If there is immediate danger, call
the Department of Public Safety,
6-6666 or 911
- Advise your administrator of the
incident, the results of the
consultation, and the action plan.
Each administrator should inform
the next level of administration up
to the next level of administration
up to the appropriate
vice-president, who determines if
the president should be notified
- If the incident involves an
employee, staff members should call
the Office of Human Resources,
6-2966, and faculty members should
consult the senior vice provost for
academic affairs, 6-2041
- If the incident involves a student,
call the Office of the Dean of
Student Life, 6-3216
- Document the incident. Describe the
sequence of statements and the
context. Give details. Have threats
been made in the past? Is the
person known to have a weapon? Is
there a history of animosity? This
information is important in
evaluating the level of risk. Cite
consultants, plan for action, and
action taken. Forward a copy to the
director of the Department of
Public Safety
b. If, after consultation, it is determined
that the threat is not serious and is
unlikely to result in danger to any member of
the university community, take the following
steps:
- Inform your administrator of the
incident, the results of the
consultation, and action plan
- In consultation with your
administrator, determine who will
convey to the individual that it is
not acceptable to make such threats
- Document the incident. Describe the
sequence of statements and their
context. Give details. Have threats
been made in the past? Is the
person known to have a weapon? Is
there a history of animosity? This
information will be important in
evaluating the level of risk if
there is another threat. Cite
consultations, plan for action, and
action taken. Forward a copy to the
director of the Department of
Public Safety
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