Hostage, Terrorist or Workplace Violence

Definition:

Persons who enter campus, apprehend employees and/or threaten violence.

Steps of Action:

1. Dial 911.
2. Call Assistant Dean's Office at 386-3338 and Facilities Management and Operations at 386-3337. If after hours, call campus security at 391-5060. USDA-ARS employees contact the USDA Administrative Office at 386-3498.
3. Secure immediate area to confine problem.
4. Secure building by locking appropriate doors (labs, offices and entrances).
5. Await assistance.

Key Hostage Tips:

1. Be patient. Avoid drastic action.
2. The initial 45 minutes are the most dangerous. Follow instructions, be alert and stay alive.
3. Don't speak unless spoken to and then only when necessary. Don't attempt to rationalize with the captor.
4. Expect the unexpected, i.e., mood swings, irrational actions.
5. Do not make quick or sudden moves.
6. Be observant. The safety of others may depend on what you remember about the situation.
   

Workplace Violence:

Violence in the workplace can take many forms. Examples include: threats of suicide, injury or the threat of injury to property and/or persons, fistfights, shootings, stabbings, sexual assaults or unauthorized use of deadly weapons and explosives.

All acts of violence should be reported promptly to supervisors or managers, and in case of emergency, directly to 911.