Workplace Violence. Introductions and Disclaimers

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1 Workplace Violence Active Shooter Introductions and Disclaimers David Smith, Founder Professional Workplace Interaction, Inc. Established Disclaimers Humor Language Questions, Comments & Challenges

2 PWI Team Partial List Organizations Served

43% of those threatened and 24% of those attacked don t report the incident Sources: Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Study on

3 Is Workplace/School Violence A Real Issue? Workplace Violence in the US Annually nearly 2 million incidents reported This number accounts only for those reported incidents 43% of those threatened and 24% of those attacked don t report the incident Sources: Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Study on Workplace Violence, U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Labor, National Safe Workplace Institute, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

4 Workplace Violence in the US According to the 2014 Bureau of Labor Statistics Census Of the 4,679 Fatal Occupational workplace Injuries that occurred in the United States 403 were workplace homicides. Sources: Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Study on Workplace Violence, U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Labor, National Safe Workplace Institute, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Workplace Violence in the US It is estimated that corporate America spends $ billion per year in the aftermath of workplace violence Sources: Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Study on Workplace Violence, U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Labor, National Safe Workplace Institute, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

5 What are the costs? Cost to Employers Security Building repair Business interruptions Loss of productivity Lost time Employee turnover Increased workers comp claims Increased medical claims Litigation expense A homicide does not have to occur to create liabilities for employers

6 Following an incident Legal Issues Following an incident Legal Issues Negligent hiring Negligent training Negligent supervision Negligent retention Negligent security Negligent response Negligent termination Negligent recommendations

against organization in legal proceedings if not followed Legal

7 OSHA Guidelines California OSHA most comprehensive Fed OSHA following Cal OSHA Guidelines for reporting incidents Can be used against organization in legal proceedings if not followed Legal Issues What is Workplace Violence? Give a definition for workplace violence

8 Defining Workplace Violence As defined by the media: A disgruntled ex employee wielding an AK47 kills... As defined by the dictionary: Unwanted aggression or anger. Defining Workplace Violence For our purposes, violence is any incident that could: Increase in intensity and threaten the safety of an employee, customer, vendor, etc. Have an impact on any employee s physical or psychological well being. Cause damage to company property.

9 Types of Workplace Violence Perpetrators Type I No legitimate business relationship to the workplace (Robbery, Terrorism) Type II Recipient/object of a service provided by the workplace Type III Employment related (Employee on Employee) Type IV Employment Related (Domestic Violence) Defining Active Shooter Active Shooter: Suspect s activity is immediately causing death or serious bodily injury The shooters activity is no contained There is immediate risk of death or serious injury to potential victims

10 Scenario A man comes into the workplace Takes hostages A shooting Someone is killed That night the media goes to the shooter s neighborhood How is the shooter described? Scenario How is the shooter described? Nice guy Quiet Loner

11 Scenario Given the nice guy theory: Violence must be a random event If you take anything from this presentation That is a myth Becoming violent is a process Change over time Understanding the Escalation Process Early Reporting = Early Response = Early Intervention and Prevention Stage 2: Increased Risk Indicators Stage 1: Early Indicators Stage 3: Hands on Verbally abusive Noncompliance to policies & procedures Frequently argumentative Frequent complaints by customers or clients Suicidal thoughts expressed to others Instigating spreading lies about others Excessive use of profanity inappropriately directed Inappropriate and sexually explicit language Angry outbursts 22

12 Understanding the Escalation Process Increased Risk Factors and Warning Noted Referred to PWI WPV Specialist Stage 3: Hands on Stage 2: Increased Risk Indicators Stage 1: Arguing frequently and intensely Blatantly disregarding organizational policies and procedures Setting traps for others Stealing from the company or from other employees Making verbal threats Conveying unwanted sexual attention or violent intentions by letter, voice mail, or e mail Persistent and non mutual displays of affection Holding others responsible (blaming others) for problems or difficulties 23 Understanding the Escalation Process Proactive Training and Preparedness Hard Targeting and Mental Rehearsal Stage 3: Hands on Stage 1 Stage 2 Getting involved in physical confrontations and altercations Displaying weapons (guns, knives, pepper spray, etc.) Committing or attempting to commit assault, sexual assault, homicide, arson or suicide There is no such thing as A little pushing and shoving. Adults do not get into fistfights, unless they are defending themselves or are out of control. 24

13 Types of Shooters Active Shooter Criminal Terrorists Ideological Terrorists Workplace / School Shooters Criminal Terrorists No Major Ideological Issue Hostile reactions with lack of frustration tolerance and damage to ego Desire for vengeance justifies violence Thrilled by the power when they are armed Seeking psychological reward through terrorism

14 Criminal Terrorists (Continued) Select soft targets Malls Theaters Office buildings Retail stores Lack discipline and training of ideological terrorist Lack specific goals Often death by suicide or by law enforcement Ideological Terrorists Violent acts perpetrated for an ideological goal Not a loan attack for a specific current issue Cause oriented Violence used to create population fear (terror) They target and/or disregard the safety of noncombatants

15 Ideological Terrorists Risk Factors Often younger male Serious personal issues Social / Cultural National/ Religious Blames the oppressive system Feels victimized Sees terror or suicide as supreme sacrifice. Revenge and salvation Some believe problems are solvable through violent jihad Workplace Related and Shooters Non Criminal/Ideological Shooters Concern with current and specific problems: Job termination Conflict with someone Financial problems Marital issues Persons or company/school assets targeted Shooter believes the violence will solve the current problem

16 Workplace Related and Shooters Shooter Planning Develop rapport with person(s) at the target site Planning has limited detail: General Plan Acquire weapons and ammunition Weapons expertise varies and is often limited Types of Situations Dynamic Situation Static Situation Active Shooter

17 Dynamic Situation The situation is evolving rapidly with the suspect s actions The shooter is often on the move through a location Law enforcement is evaluating the situation on the move as well Static Situation Suspect s actions appear to be contained; Example: Suspect is barricaded in a room Law enforcement is evaluating if the shooter is alone or with others

18 Types of Response Run Hide Fight Active Shooter Active Shooter/ Armed Intruder Run, Hide or Fight

19 Types of Response ACTIVE SHOOTER/ARMED INTRUDER An armed intruder on premises presents an: Imminent serious dangerous threat When such a threat of immediate harm exists certain preplanned and practiced actions may help in preventing serious injury or death Types of Response ACTIVE SHOOTER/ARMED INTRUDER 1. Run, if that seems the safest option If there is an escape path; attempt to evacuate. Evacuate whether others agree to or not. Leave your belongings behind. Help others escape if possible, but do not place yourself or others at risk. Prevent others from entering the area.

20 Types of Response ACTIVE SHOOTER/ARMED INTRUDER 1. Run, if that seems the safest option Pre determine how to get a head count of those who have evacuated. Call 911 when you are safe. Remember: There might be several shooters, with snipers located near exit points to shoot those leaving the building. Types of Response ACTIVE SHOOTER/ARMED INTRUDER 2. Hide, if evacuation is not possible; initiate a lockdown response Lock and/or blockade the door. These areas should be identified as part of your disaster planning. Silence your cell phone. Hide behind large objects.

21 Types of Response ACTIVE SHOOTER/ARMED INTRUDER Remain very quiet; which may be for a long time. Do not exit the room to send notification or investigate the situation. Law enforcement/swat officers will assume command of the incident upon their arrival Types of Response ACTIVE SHOOTER/ARMED INTRUDER 3. Your hiding place should: Be out of the shooter s view. Provide protection if shots are fired in your direction. Not trap or restrict your options for movement.

22 Types of Response ACTIVE SHOOTER/ARMED INTRUDER 4. Fight only as a last resort, and if your life is in danger: Attempt to incapacítate the shooter. Act with physical aggression. Improvise weapons. Commit to your actions. No matter what. Types of Response ACTIVE SHOOTER/ARMED INTRUDER 5. Strategies for dealing with an armed intruder: Do as the gunman demands; however if possible avoid leaving with the gunman. Do not make sudden moves that could frighten the subject (ask permission to move). Never argue.

23 Types of Response ACTIVE SHOOTER/ARMED INTRUDER Take your time. The longer the time, the better the chances law enforcement/swat officers can formulate and execute a response. Note: Keep yourself and others as calm as possible. Avoid physical force unless someone s life is in imminent danger. Types of Response ACTIVE SHOOTER/ARMED INTRUDER Talk to the gunman, unless this increases his agitation. Learn as much as you can about the gunman. Keep the gunman s attention on you, not on others. If more than one person is involved, concentrate on the person in control.

24 Types of Response ACTIVE SHOOTER/ARMED INTRUDER Be observant. When observing the gunman, avoid staring at him. Mentally record a detailed description of the individual and the weapon. Mentally identify a distinctive feature and continue to concentrate on that one item. Types of Response ACTIVE SHOOTER/ARMED INTRUDER Remember what objects the intruder touches and preserve them for law enforcement. It is critically important to preserve the crime scene and never touch or move or disturb possible evidence or objects at that site. If the gunman starts shooting, shout out Hit the deck! Take cover on the floor and/ or behind equipment. Mentally rehearse your response during an armed intruder incident.

25 Types of Response ACTIVE SHOOTER/ARMED INTRUDER NON LETHAL INTRUDER DETERRENT Now available in the U.S. is a device using acoustic energy technology. It will distract and deter a person attempting access. It does so solely utilizing patented non lethal sound effects. They are unbearable to any person within its range. Some suggested applications are portals and cache points of sensitive manned facilities such as embassies, consulates, annexes, schools, offices and public buildings. Pre Incident Response Early Reporting = Early Response = Early Intervention and Prevention Early Communication is the Key

26 Summary ACTIVE SHOOTER ISSUES OF WORKPLACE VIOLENCE Definitions of Workplace Violence Types of Perpetrators Dynamic and Static Situations THREAT RECOGNITION AND RESPONSE TRAINING Escalation Process of Violence Stages of Violence & Warning Signs Run, Hide and Fight PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION Early Communication and Intervention is the Key Thank you! Active Shooter David Smith, Founder Professional Workplace Interaction, Inc. Established

Tab 25 ACTIVE SHOOTER

Tab 25 ACTIVE SHOOTER PROFILE OF AN ACTIVE SHOOTER An Active Shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area; in most cases, active shooters use firearms(s)