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Connecticut State University System July 17, 1998 Introduction Recent events in Connecticut and throughout the country have highlighted the devastating effect that violence in the workplace and in our schools can have on the lives of employees, students and members of the community. The need for programs that will effectively address incidents of violence in the workplace has not been anticipated by many employers. The Connecticut State University System policy on workplace threats and violence is intended to ensure the safety and security of all employees, students and visitors to any Connecticut State System property. In addition to our policy, guidelines for implementation of the policy have been included. These are intended as benchmarks to assist in assessing the state of current practices in addressing such matters in each of our universities and in the System office. As employers we have a moral and legal obligation to provide a safe workplace for our employees, students and visitors. However, we realize that it is not always possible to predict when a person will become violent nor is the appropriate course of action in a particular situation always readily apparent. The attached policy and guidelines, (developed and adapted from “Guidelines for Employers and Law Enforcement”, Bureau of Justice Administration), establish appropriate procedures and identify warning signs for potential violent behavior that alert employers specific actions should be initiated. The policy requires that anyone who makes substantial threats, exhibits threatening behavior, or engages in violent acts on Connecticut State University property, shall be removed from the premises as quickly as safety permits. Determining what constitutes a “substantial threat” may be viewed as more difficult to assess than perhaps blatant behavior. A threat may be viewed as “substantial” if there is a high level of risk posed by the threat, both in severity and the likelihood it would be carried out, i.e. a death threat or physical harm. In the investigation of such threats the university should evaluate the level of risk and bring together all the necessary resources that are needed to address the situation. The development of a Threat Incident Report will insure that all threats, whether viewed as substantial or not, will be investigated and allow for proper evaluation of the incident. The policy suggests the designation of a management representative who will oversee all reports of threats or behaviors warranting potential action by the university. Policy on Workplace Threats and Violence The purpose of this policy is to ensure the safety and security of Connecticut State University System employees. Threats, threatening behavior, or acts of violence against employees, students, visitors, guests, or other individuals by anyone on Connecticut State University System property will not be tolerated. Violations of this policy can lead to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal and criminal prosecution. Any person who makes substantial threats, exhibits threatening behavior, or engages in violent acts on Connecticut State University System property shall be removed from the premises as quickly as safety permits, and shall remain off the property pending the outcome of an investigation. The university or System Office will initiate an appropriate response. This response may include investigation, suspension and/or termination of any business relationship, reassignment of job duties, suspension or termination of employment, and/or criminal prosecution of the person or persons involved. All Connecticut State University System personnel are responsible for notifying the designated management representative(s) of any threats which they have witnessed, received, or have been told that another person has witnessed or received. Even without an actual threat, personnel should also report any behavior they have witnessed which they regard as threatening or violent, when that behavior is job related or might be carried out at the university, or is connected to university employment. Employees have an obligation to make this report regardless of the relationship between the individual who initiated the threat or threatening behavior and the person or persons who were threatened or were the focus of the threatening behavior. If the designated management representatives are not available, personnel should report the threat to their supervisor or another member of the management team, or to the university police. A “Threat Incident Report” as appended to this policy should be completed as quickly as possible by the designated management representative. All individuals who apply for or obtain a protective or restraining order which lists university locations as being protected areas, must provide to the designated management representatives a copy of the petition and declarations used to seek the order, a copy of any temporary protective or restraining order which is granted, and a copy of any protective or restraining order which is made permanent. The sensitivity of the information requested is understood and each university and the System Office are responsible for developing confidentiality procedures which recognize and respect the privacy of the reporting employee(s). Each university and the System Office shall identify the designated management representative(s) and make this information, along with a copy of this policy available to all personnel. Threat Incident Report Board policy requires employees to report all threats or incidents of violent behavior which they observe or are informed about to the designated representative(s) who will take the steps necessary to complete a threat incident report as quickly as possible, including private interviews of the victim(s) and witness(es). The following facts should be included in the threat incident report:
The attached information is adapted from “Guidelines for Employers and Law Enforcement”, distributed by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. It is provided for guidance only and is not part of this policy. Warning Signs of Potentially Violent Individuals There is no exact method to predict when a person will become violent. One or more of these warning signs may be displayed before a person becomes violent but does not necessarily indicate that an individual will become violent. A display of these signs should trigger concern as they are usually exhibited by people experiencing problems.
Recognizing Inappropriate Behavior Inappropriate behavior is often a warning sign of potential hostility or violence, when left unchecked it can escalate to higher levels. Employees who exhibit the following behaviors should be reported and disciplined in accordance with university policy:
Personal Conduct to Minimize Violence DO
Do Not
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