Workplace Violence Procedures

All threats of violence shall be considered valid unless there is sufficient reason to doubt the truthfulness of the threat.  If the threat is considered valid, immediate steps will be taken to prevent injury to employees and visitors and then to the destruction of property. Threats may include bombs, hostage, robberies, verbal demands, etc.

There are two somewhat logical explanations for an individual to contact a company with a threat:

1. The caller may have definite knowledge of a threatening situation that has been, or will be, placed and wants to minimize injuries or property damage.  The person may be the one who has placed the device or someone who knows of its placement.
2. The person wants to create a disruption of the normal activities at a particular facility but has no real intention of causing any harm.

 Threat Types 

1. Written threat - This type of threat is received by written transmission and could include letter, telegram, fax, e-mail, etc.
2. Bomb threat - This type of threat may include the caller advising the company that a device has been or will be placed in the facility. 
3. Face-to-Face threat – This is considered “workplace violence” and typically involves a tenant, visitor, co-worker or friend/family of co-workers coming on to the company property. 

Regardless of the manner in which a threat is received it should never be ignored.  All threats must be responded to and evaluated to assess their legitimacy in order to ensure the safety of personnel and property.

Written Threat Procedures

If an employee receives a written threat, he/she should immediately provide the following information to the Property Management Office:

1. The time it was discovered.
2. Where it was discovered.
3. Whether any non-employees were in the area prior to receipt; if so, a description of the person.
4. Any information requested by the Local Emergency Personnel and Property Security Ambassador. 

Bomb Threat Procedures

Bomb threats should be taken seriously even though most threats are hoaxes.

Reception Interception of Bomb Threat Phone Call:

In most cases, the company receptionist will receive the bomb threat. It is critical that, regardless of who receives the threatening call, the receiver remains calm and tries to obtain as much information as possible. Recommended procedures are: 

• Notify Property Management IMMEDIATELY.
• Complete the “Bomb Threat Checklist” (see form following) as you are talking to the caller (keep form accessible and nearby at all times). Get as much information as possible before hanging up. (If the caller makes demands or attempts to negotiate, forward the caller to management, if possible. While caller is placed on hold, inform management person of caller’s information concerning the bomb threat.)
• Give your Checklist to the Property Manager and/or local emergency responder.
• The Property Manager will contact local emergency responders. 
   

• Bomb Threat Guidance Brochure
• Bomb Threat Checklist
• Bomb Threat Stand-off Card
• Bombing Prevention Lanyard Cards
   

Face-to-Face Threat Procedures

If an employee encounters a verbally abusive situation, he/she should: 

1. Stand back from the person giving the threat and allow them to say what is on their mind.
2. Respond to them calmly that you will try and address the situation.
3. Motion or state to other employees to “please contact the person that can help resolve this situation”.
4. Continue to speak calmly and ask the person making the threat to calm down and speak rationally and tell them it can be worked out.
5. Employees should never be left alone with the person making the threat.
6. If a burglary is taking place along with the face-to-face threat, give the person whatever they ask for.
7. When able, call 911 and/or the Property Management Office depending on the degree of the threat.

Active Shooter Procedures

If an employee becomes aware of an active shooter on the property/in the building, he/she should immediately evacuate the area:

• First choice evacuation area is outside the building and contact 911.
• Second choice evacuation is to a secure shelter-in-place – preferably to a room that can be locked from the inside.
• Remain in secure locations until the police remove them.
• Remain out of sight, barricade doors and turn out lights if possible.
• Remain silent as possible but try to contact 911 and Property Management.

NOTE: Tenants should develop internal procedures for shelter-in-place evacuations. Property management and associated personnel can facilitate evacuation, but they are sometimes unable to evaluate the validity or degree of the threat and determine whether building evacuation is warranted. DO NOT use elevators to evacuate. The Tenant should assist disabled persons from their offices during evacuation and notify local emergency responders for assistance with disabled persons.