Law enforcement officials offer advice for dealing with violence in the workplace

WINNEMUCCA - You suspect someone in your workplace may retaliate for an incident in which they have or believe they have been treated unfairly.

Perhaps the person has recently been fired or laid off from their job or is planning to quit due to dissatisfaction with the place of employment. Maybe this individual is angry over something that happened with another staff member or management.

Regardless of the details of the situation, Humboldt County Undersheriff Curtiss Kull stressed the importance of taking any threats of workplace violence very seriously.

"Advise a supervisor as soon as possible," he said. "If the threats are very substantial and of serious concern, call law enforcement as well."

Organizations devoted to preventing workplace violence stress that these may be declarations of intent to harm people on the job site, or they may be indirect statements such as "This place will pay if they let me go" or "He's going to be sorry if he gets me in trouble around here again."

A history of physical violence is an obvious red flag, but many people do not realize that emotional and verbal aggression are also potential indicators of workplace violence. Constant arguments with other staff members, vendors, or customers, excessive swearing or other crude language or conversation, spreading rumors designed to ruin other peoples' careers or personal lives, and destroying property are all warning signs, according to various sources.

Gun ownership is a constitutionally protected right, and owning or talking about guns is not a sign that someone will be violent. However, interest in guns is a red flag if it is expressed in a frightening manner. Someone who indicates that they have a weapon they might use against others, talks about their guns excessively or at inappropriate times or seems to be developing an uncharacteristic interest in or focus on weapons should not be brushed off.

Many people who have engaged in acts of workplace or campus violence expressed admiration for well known killers from highly publicized incidents or cases.

"Any past behaviors would be indicative of future behaviors," Kull said. "It is better to be safe than sorry. Take all potential threats seriously."

In some cases, the individual may carry out the act of violence before law enforcement is able to intervene, but it is possible to survive a workplace shooting or bombing.

Kull noted that the best way to respond to the situation is to get as far away from it as possible and allow those with proper training and experience to handle the perpetrator.

"Do not attempt to physically disarm the individual," he said. "If there is a possible explosive device located, do not attempt to touch or move the device. Be aware of all possible exits from your workplace, and if you can exit, do so immediately. Get people out of the area right away. Take a cellphone with you, call law enforcement, and follow all of their instructions."

Winnemucca Chief of Police Eric Silva also stressed the importance of getting out of any workplace violence situation if at all possible.

"One thing you never want to do is confront an armed person in your workplace," he said.

Silva added that anyone trapped inside the building should still do everything they can to avoid contact with a person intent on shooting others in the workplace.

"If you can't get out, lock or barricade the door of the room you are in," he said. "Make it hard for them to get in."

Silva further advised doing everything you can to make sure the person does not see you.

"Hide," he said. "A lot of the time these shooters will not go in a room if they can't see anybody. They want to move on quickly, because they know the police will be on their way."

Silva added that anyone who does see the perpetrator should make sure to note as much about them as possible.

"Always be a good witness," he said. "Make sure you get a description that includes their appearance, the clothing they were wearing and the type of firearm."

Should you find yourself trapped in the room or area with the violent individual, Silva offered guidance for the two types of situations that may occur.

He advised dealing with someone who is not actively shooting in a calm manner.

"If someone just comes in with a gun, do not attack or confront them. Do what you can to shelter and barricade yourself in place, or escape," Silva said. "If the person is just in the room and not actively shooting, try to keep them calm, Obey all the orders they give, and hope you can diffuse the situation."

Silva contrasted this with protecting yourself from an active shooter.

"If you are face to face and they are actively shooting, it is better to try to defend yourself," he said. Silva advised anyone with a concealed carry permit who has their firearm with them to use it in self defense.

"Self protection is what concealed weapons permits are for," he said. "It is better to not shoot, but if you have no other choice, it's better to use your weapon. If they are actively shooting it is better to try to defend yourself."

The Winnemucca Police Department offers detailed workplace violence training to any local business free of charge. The training takes about an hour and a half.

Silva further recommends taking advantage of the many self defense classes and workshops offered throughout Winnemucca.

"I highly recommend anything to do with self defense," he said. "Having any knowledge of self defense is better than nothing."



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