Model Policy for Workplace Threats and Violence
Nothing is more important to (Company Name) than the safety and security of its employees. Threats, threatening behavior, or acts of violence against employees, visitors, guests, or other individuals by anyone on (Company Name) property will not be tolerated. Violations of this policy will lead to disciplinary action which may include dismissal.
Any person who makes substantial threats, exhibits threatening behavior, or engages in violent acts on (Company Name) property will be removed from the premises as quickly as safety permits and shall remain off (Company Name) premises pending the outcome of an investigation. (Company Name) will initiate a decisive and appropriate response. This response may include, but is not limited to; suspension and/or termination of any business relationship, reassignment of job duties, suspension or termination of employment, and/or criminal prosecution of the person or persons involved.
In carrying out these (Company Name) policies, it is essential that all personnel understand that no existing (Company Name) policy, practice, or procedure should be interpreted to prohibit decisions designed to prevent a threat from being carried out, a violent act from occurring, or a life threatening situation from developing.
All (Company Name) personnel are responsible for notifying the management representative designated below of any threats which they have witnessed, received, or have been told that another person has witnessed or received. Even without an actual threat, personnel should also report any behavior they have witnessed which they regard as threatening or violent, when that behavior is job related or might be carried out on a company-controlled site, or is connected to company employment. Employees are responsible for making this report, regardless of the relationship between the individual who initiated the threat or threatening behavior and the person or persons who were threatened or were the focus of the threatening behavior.
This policy also requires all individuals who apply for or obtain a protective or restraining order which lists company locations as being protected areas, to provide to the designated management representative a copy of the petition and declarations used to seek the order, a copy of any temporary protective or restraining order which is granted, and a copy of any protective or restraining order which is made permanent.
(Company Name) understands the sensitivity of the information requested and has developed confidentiality procedures which recognize and respect the privacy of the reporting employee(s).
The designated management representative is:
Name: ___________________________________________________
Title: _____________________________________________________
Department: _____________________________________________
Phone: ___________________________________________________
Location: _________________________________________________
You can't always prevent violence because violent incidents are sometimes unpredictable, but you can reduce the risk by planning ahead and being prepared to act swiftly to deal with threats, intimidation, and other disruptive behavior at an early stage.