Workplace Security and Anti-Violence Policy
The Foundation is committed to providing a violence-free workplace for its employees. Although some kinds of violence result from societal issues that are beyond our control, the Foundation believes that it can adopt some measures that will increase security and protection for our employees. In order to accomplish this objective, we require the cooperation of all employees.
It is the Policy of the Foundation that acts and/or threats of violence against the life, health, well-being, family or property of individuals in the workplace or in connection with an employee's conduct of Foundation business by members of the public, other Foundation employees, or employees or students of the University will not be tolerated. Any such acts or threats by employees of the Foundation toward others may be grounds for immediate dismissal from Foundation employment whether or not the employee making the threat intended to carry it out.
The Foundation believes that employees may be better prepared to avoid or prevent violence if they are able to recognize early warning signs in advance and follow appropriate response procedures. Employees will therefore play a crucial role in the administration of this anti-violence policy.
Early Warning Signs
Employees should understand that certain risk factors and behavior patterns may offer early warning signs of violent conduct. Examples of such warning signs include the following:
- A history of emotional or mental disturbance
- A history of threatening or violent behavior
- Paranoia or easily panicked behavior
- A fascination or preoccupation with weapons, particularly weapons or explosives that could be used for mass destruction, such as semi-automatic guns
- Extreme stress from personal problems or a life crisis
- Events affecting workplace conditions and/or generating stress
- Identifying with incidents of workplace violence reported in the media and either condoning or sympathizing with the actions of the individuals committing the violence
- Being a loner with little or no involvement with other employees
- Engaging in frequent disputes with supervisors or co-workers
- Persistent violation of company policy
- Obsessive involvement with one's job, particularly where it occurs with no apparent outside interest
- Volatile or violent home or other personal situation that has the potential to bring violence into the workplace.
If a supervisor or another employee becomes aware of risk factors and behavior patterns of the type described above, the Human Resources Director should be contacted. The Human Resources Director will evaluate the matter and, where appropriate, provide the supervisor or employee with direction and assistance to deal with the situation. If outside assistance is needed, the Human Resources Director will arrange for that assistance.
Threats of Violence
Every threat of violence is serious and must be treated as such. Threatening behavior can include such actions as:
- Throwing objects
- Making a verbal threat to harm another individual or destroy property
- Making menacing gestures
- Displaying an intense or obsessive romantic interest that exceeds the normal bounds of interpersonal interest
- Attempting to intimidate or harass other individuals
- Behavior indicating that the individual is significantly out of touch with reality and that he or she may pose a danger either to himself or herself or to others
- Volatile or violent personal situations such as found in some custody battles.
Employees who become aware of any threats of workplace violence must report the threats immediately to their supervisor. The supervisor will, in turn, be responsible to notify the Human Resources Director who will consult with the appropriate resources in order to complete an assessment of the incident and the surrounding circumstances.
Imminent Risk of Violence
If an employee becomes aware of any actual violence, imminent violence, or threat of imminent violence, obtaining emergency assistance must be a matter of first priority. The employee should immediately contact Public Safety or local law enforcement by dialing 911. Immediately after contacting the law enforcement authorities for emergency assistance, the employee must report the incident to his or her supervisor if the supervisor is available. The supervisor must then notify the Human Resources Director immediately. If the supervisor is not immediately available, the employee should contact the Human Resources Director at 619-594-4139 immediately after contacting the law enforcement authorities. Employees may report any incidents of violence or threats of violence without fear of any reprisal of any kind.
Policy Violations
In cases where it is determined that an employee has violated this policy by threatening another individual with violence or engaging in violent behavior, the Human Resources Director will determine the appropriate corrective action, if any, including whether disciplinary action is warranted. If it is determined that a threat of violence was made and actual violence has occurred, disciplinary action will be imposed, up to and including immediate termination. In situations where it is found appropriate to do so, an individual who violates this policy may be required to obtain counseling or other available assistance.