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RECOGNIZING AND HANDLING THREATENING BEHAVIOR |
By
Ronald T. Williams,
USSS Ret.
Once again, workplace violence has topped the
news. With the recent rash of multiple homicides committed in the workplace, Talon has prepared a primer on
recognizing the warning signs, which are always present prior to an act of violence in the workplace.
In the wake of an incident of workplace violence, a common thread emerges; the warning signs were there,
but nobody was paying attention; or, the warning signs were dismissed as harmless acting-out.
While the media readily reports on the most sensational incidents involving multiple deaths, workplace violence
has been a persistent problem in this country for many years, with most incidents going unreported nationally.
According to the Department of Labor, workplace homicides were second only to vehicular accidents as the leading
cause of death at work for men, and the leading cause of death for women.
Recognizing the warning signs leading up to potentially violent behavior is the first step in the prevention of
a violent act. Many corporate, government, and school officials do not recognize the warning signs, or ignore
them because they do not know what to do next. In order to recognize the warning signs, one must understand that
violence is not an event, it is a process. Unchecked, aberrant and dysfunctional behavior leads to an escalation
of that behavior, and possibly to violence. Therefore, managers and supervisors must be aware of early stage
aberrant and dysfunctional behaviors that could provide clues that a person has the propensity for violence.
Three Stages of Violent Behavior
There are three distinct recognized stages of behavior leading to potential violence: early potential,
escalated potential, and if ignored, realized potential.
- Stage 1 – Early Potential
The characteristics of Stage 1 behavior are: objectifying and dehumanizing others (for example, using a
derogatory or vulgar name to reduce a person to less than a human being), challenging authority; regularly
becoming argumentative; alienating peers, customers, clients, and others; originating and spreading lies;
swearing excessively or using sexually explicit language; and verbally abusing or sexually harassing others.
- Stage 2 – Escalated Potential
The characteristics of Stage 2 behavior are: arguing with increased frequency and intensity; disregarding
policies and procedures; setting traps for others; theft from the organization or an individual; making verbal
threats; unwanted sexual attention or expressing violent intentions via letter, voicemail, or e-mail; and
holding others responsible for his or her own actions or problems.
- Stage 3 – Realized Potential
The characteristics of Stage 3 behavior are: physical confrontations and altercations; a display of weapons,
committing or attempting to commit assault, sexual assault, arson, or suicide.
Warning Signs
In addition to the three stages of violent behavior and the characteristics of each stage, there are several
danger signals or warning signs associated with an increased risk for acting out violently. Common indicators
of a potentially violent person include: a fascination with weapons; substance abuse; severe stress; a violent
history; drastic changes in psychological functioning; decreased or inconsistent productivity; alienation,
social isolation and poor peer relationships; poor personal hygiene; and significant changes in personality.
Strategies to Protect Against Violence
In addition to the above behavioral indicators illuminating a potential for workplace violence, the following
strategies will further help to protect against workplace, school, and other organizational violence. Adopt a
zero tolerance policy for threats and violence, establish an employee/student confidential information hotline;
establish an employee/student assistance program with counseling referral; develop a crisis management team;
institute pre-employment screening; and have a professional facility security risk survey performed. For more
information on preventing workplace violence, contact Talon Executive Services, Inc.
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