MONROE COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE Workplace Violence Active Shooter

MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE Workplace Violence / Active Shooter Patrick M. O’Flynn Forsythe Sheriff Undersheriff Andrew

WORKPLACE VIOLENCE

WHAT IS WORKPLACE VIOLENCE • Workplace violence is violence or the threat of violence against workers. • It can occur at or outside the workplace. • It can range from threats and verbal abuse to physical assaults and homicide. • It can evolve to an active shooter incident. • However it manifests itself, workplace violence is a growing concern for employers and employees nationwide.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR • Increase use of alcohol and/or illegal drugs. • Increase in absenteeism. • Decrease in appearance and hygiene • Depression. • Mood swings. • Talks of problems at home. • Talk of financial problems.

INDICATORS • Resistance to rules / regulations. • Repeated violations of policy. • Unstable emotional responses. • Explosive outbursts without provocation. • Paranoia (everyone is against me)

VICTIM • Report to your Supervisor or appropriate HR personnel. • Report to police. • Report violations of suspect conduct • Suspect visiting worksite. • Violation of orders. • Violation of workplace rules/regulations.

EMPLOYERS • Establish a zero tolerance policy against workplace harassments / violence. • Ensure employees know the policy – employee handbook. • Encourage employees to report cases to police. • Support employees going through the legal process. • Investigate all incidents and threats. • Incorporate a buddy system or escort service. • Provide prompt medical treatment if necessary. • Offer stress counseling.

ACTIVE SHOOTER

ACTIVE SHOOTERS Intent on killing as many as possible in a populated confined area. Targets are generally picked at random. Use of a firearm is used in most cases. Evolve quickly and are unpredictable. Cannot be negotiated with. Active shooters understand they will not survive the incident. Usually over within 10 -15 minutes.

KNOW YOUR BUILDING • Explore your building and know the exits and different routes out of the building. • If visiting a building make note of as many exit locations as possible. • Conduct an emergency evacuation plan. • Know how to lock your doors and keep doors secure when possible. • Know who belongs in your building. • Challenge strangers and report suspicious persons or conditions.

CONTROLLING ACCESS POINTS • Main entrance • Point of contact – receptionist, security. • Panic alarms, cameras. • Proper locking Mechanisms • Door that is difficult to penetrate. • Secure windows.

DOOR AND WINDOW SECURITY • Lock doors properly. • Keep doors locked in critical areas. • Security film on critical windows. • Maintain adherence to security regulations. • Support security personnel in the job they were hired to do.

ACTIVE SHOOTER IN YOUR VICINITY

RUN • If you can evacuate – do so • Have an escape route in mind. • Leave your property behind. • Help others escape, if possible • Don’t let others slow you down with indecision. • Prevent others from entering. • Call 911 when safe to do so.

HIDE If you are unable to leave, try to find a place to hide: • Out of shooters view. • Behind something that may offer protection from shots fired in your direction. • Do not trap yourself in case you need to move. • Lock doors. • Barricade doors. • Silence cell phones. • Turn off other noise sources (radio, TV). • Remain quiet

FIGHT As a last resort only when your life is in danger. Disrupt or incapacitate the active shooter by: • Acting as aggressively as possible against him/her. • Throw items and improvise weapons. • Yelling. • Warrior mindset. • Commit no mater what.

CALLING 911 • Give address and name of building. • Location within the building. • Location of entry. • Description of the suspect(s). • Clothing • Gender • Physical • Weapons • Vehicles

POLICE RESPONSE / ACTIVE SHOOTER • Locate and stop shooter. • Secure area. • Evacuate • Rescue survivors. • Facilitate aid to wounded.

WHEN POLICE ARRIVE • Do not have anything in your hands. • Keep hands up and visible to responding officers. • Remain calm, avoid pointing, screaming or yelling. • Follow instructions. • Do not ask questions unless asked by officers. • Do not attempt to help wounded.

YOU MAY SEE OFFICERS: • In patrol uniforms or in tactical uniforms. • From different agencies • Armed with rifles, shotguns, handguns, ballistic shields. • Arrive in teams of 3 to 5. • Shout commands and push individuals to the ground for safety reasons. • Dispense chemical irritants.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PREPARE Train your staff with an emergency action plan: • A preferred method for reporting emergencies. • Evacuation policy. • Emergency escape plan. (floor plans, safe areas). • Emergency notification system to alert: • Employees at remote • Local law enforcement. • Area hospitals. • Training exercises – mock active shooter exercises.

SOURCES US Department of Homeland Security, Active Shooter, How to Respond. Federal Bureau of investigation. A Study of Active Shooter Incidents 2000 -2013. US Dept. of Labor, OSHA Fact Sheet – Workplace Violence. Police Executive Research Forum, March 2014, The Police Response to Active Shooter Incidents. City Of Houston Mayor’s Office of Public Safety. Madico Safety Film Demo. 3 M Safety Film Demo. Spotedge Media Video.