Risk Management Services Division of Human Resources Managing Threatening Behavior – A University Model Steve Holland, Assistant Vice President – Risk Management Services Leslie D. Porter, Senior Director – Division of Human Resources October 29, 2015
Risk Management Services Managing Threatening Behavior – A University Model Division of Human Resources MANAGING THREATS IN THE WORKPLACE The recent on-air shooting of a TV reporter and cameraman by a fired coworker has made all of us think about the potential for workplace violence. While the media frenzy that surrounds these horrific events often overhypes the likelihood that this type of extreme violence will happen in your workplace, the very real potential for some sort of acts of violence at work should not be ignored. The University of Arizona – Risk Management Services | Division of Human Resources 1
Risk Management Services Managing Threatening Behavior – A University Model Division of Human Resources The key to mitigating and preventing incidences of workplace violence is to have the appropriate policies in place, the tools to assess the degree of risk of violence, and the expertise, processes, and resources to address potential problems. The University of Arizona – Risk Management Services | Division of Human Resources 2
Risk Management Services Managing Threatening Behavior – A University Model Division of Human Resources The University of Arizona – Risk Management Services | Division of Human Resources 3
Risk Management Services Managing Threatening Behavior – A University Model Division of Human Resources The University of Arizona – Risk Management Services | Division of Human Resources 4
Risk Management Services Managing Threatening Behavior – A University Model Division of Human Resources UA QUICK FACTS 42,236 students 15,615 employees (staff, faculty and administrators) 15 million GSF in 186 buildings on 388 acres of Tucson campus, Phoenix Biomedical Campus, UA South, astronomy facilities, and research farms statewide Building and Contents values = $ >8.0 billion FY 13-14 All Funds Budget = $ 2.23 billion FY 12-13 Research expenditures = $632 million The University of Arizona – Risk Management Services | Division of Human Resources 5
Risk Management Services Managing Threatening Behavior – A University Model Division of Human Resources UA WORKPLACE VIOLENCE EVENT- 2002 The University of Arizona – Risk Management Services | Division of Human Resources 6
Risk Management Services Managing Threatening Behavior – A University Model Division of Human Resources What happened? A non-traditional, older male Nursing student who was failing his courses, shot and killed three faculty members – one in her office, and then two more in front of a full classroom preparing to take a mid-term exam. After allowing the students to leave, he took his own life. His backpack was found to have multiple weapons and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. The shooter previously had multiple “touch points” with different UA offices that might have indicated troubling behavior, but there was no mechanism to “connect the dots” and put a plan in place to prevent this tragedy. The University of Arizona – Risk Management Services | Division of Human Resources 7
Risk Management Services Managing Threatening Behavior – A University Model Division of Human Resources Immediate Response UA implemented Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) protocols with students in the class, and with Nursing faculty, staff, and administrators Successful outcome of CISM implementation: – all students in the classroom graduated on time and College of Nursing faculty remained with the UA, and continued to do excellent teaching, research and public service. The University of Arizona – Risk Management Services | Division of Human Resources 8
Risk Management Services Managing Threatening Behavior – A University Model Division of Human Resources UA policies modified or created after the College of Nursing shootings Workplace Violence Policy Policy on Threatening Behavior By Students Policy on Disruptive Behavior In An Instructional Setting Procedures for Evacuation for Fire Alarm or Other Emergency Building Monitor Selection Criteria and Training Weapons on Campus Exclusionary Order Policy The University of Arizona – Risk Management Services | Division of Human Resources 9
Risk Management Services Managing Threatening Behavior – A University Model Division of Human Resources Formation of Threat Assessment and Management Team (TAMT ) The University of Arizona's Threat Assessment & Management Team (TAMT) is a multi-disciplinary group of trained University employees who determine if an individual poses or may pose a threat of violence to self, others, or to our UA community, and act to deter the threat. The team responds to reports of behaviors exhibited by students, employees, visitors, and vendors or other unaffiliated persons in an attempt to prevent violence so that our campus remains a safe and secure working and learning environment. The use of a multi-disciplinary team ensures a diversity of functional areas of expertise to increase the effectiveness of the team. Division of Human Resources 10
Risk Management Services Managing Threatening Behavior – A University Model Division of Human Resources THREAT ASSESSMENT MANAGEMENT TEAM (TAMT) Co-chaired by Dean of Students and Human Resources Other campus representation includes: University of Arizona Police Department (UAPD) Risk Management Life & Work Connections (Employee Wellness) Counseling and Psychological Services (Campus Health) Office of Institutional Equity (Title IX Compliance) Office of General Counsel Additional staff from these units as backups Engagement of outside consulting firm (current: SIGMA) The University of Arizona – Risk Management Services | Division of Human Resources 11
Risk Management Services Managing Threatening Behavior – A University Model Division of Human Resources The threat assessment process must be flexible and evolving Issues that have been considered: Interplay with FERPA and Title IX Compliance Documentation, privilege, confidentiality, discoverability Use of contracted external expertise Triggering criteria for TAMT review and action Training of campus personnel, administrators, managers and supervisors, gatekeepers, and TAMT members Monitoring the higher education and employment landscape to stay current with best practices The University of Arizona – Risk Management Services | Division of Human Resources 12
Risk Management Services Managing Threatening Behavior – A University Model Division of Human Resources Perpetrators of WPV Acts The person who commits the act… • is a currently enrolled student of the university • has an employment relationship with the University • has a contractual relationship with the University. • has no relationship to the university • has a previous affiliation with the university (former student or employee) • has a personal relationship with a current student or employee • is the recipient of service from the university Division of Human Resources 13
Risk Management Services Managing Threatening Behavior – A University Model Division of Human Resources Key UA Work Place Violence Policy Citations 401.1 Workplace Violence Policy This policy confirms the University’s commitment to prevent, reduce and manage violence to provide a safe environment in which to work and learn. It applies to students, employees, vendors and visitors at all University- owned, controlled or leased premises …” "Violence" includes, but is not limited to: intentionally threatening; intimidating; physically injuring; stalking; damaging property; or referencing or using a weapon or firearm, unless the individual doing so is a certified law enforcement officer …” "Intimidating" means an intentional act that would cause a reasonable person to fear that s/he is in danger of injury or harm. "Threatening" means expressing intent to cause harm. The University of Arizona – Risk Management Services | Division of Human Resources 14
Risk Management Services Managing Threatening Behavior – A University Model Division of Human Resources “Exclusionary Order” Policy It is the policy of the University to exclude persons who engage in illegal behavior or disrupt the University’s educational mission (hereinafter “Disruptive Persons”). In accordance with A.R.S. § 13- 2911(D). The UA has adopted procedures regarding excluding persons from campus grounds and properties for up to one year. An exclusionary order may be requested by: The University President or a Dean, Director, or Department Head, or any other official designated as the person in charge of a specific area/building, facility, activity, or event; and Law enforcement officers under conditions described in the policy. Division of Human Resources 15
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