In the Field Safety
About Johnny Lee Director, Peace at Work & President, ePanicButton Workplace Violence Specialist State of North Carolina Training Coordinator, PREVENT UNC – Injury Prevention Research Center Victim Services Coordinator Asheville Police Department
Agenda Preparation Getting there Being there Leaving Reporting
Preparation Be familiar with your destination Know the streets and ways in/out Google streetview exploration Crime Maps - Police Reports on location Build relationships with key figures matriarchs/patriarchs, patrol officers, kids
Preparation Let people know where you are going establish your schedule let them know about changes use the buddy system Does anyone know where you are if you don’t show up?
Establish Codewords- Call in making some excuse 1. If you are a little concerned - call the front desk (if unavailable you can call Debbie M, Jessica, Nancy, a service coordinator) Say “TELL DOTTIE I will be LATE to the meeting.” The person that you called will call you back in 5 minutes to check on you. If needed, you can use this as an excuse to leave/opportunity to tell the family that you have to leave to pick up a sick child or any other reason. 2. More concerned – call one of the above mentioned Say “TELL DOTTIE I WON’T make it to the meeting.” The person that you called will call you back immediately which will give you a reason to leave.
Preparation Emergency Planning Dress appropriately Can you run? Can they grab anything? ID lanyards
Preparation Vehicle Maintenance In good shape Know how to change a tire, jump a battery Bumper stickers - how you are perceived?
Preparation Smart Phones - free/cheap apps phone well-charged (possible theft target) Add supervisor and front desk on emergency contact list
Preparation Review Documentation What are the red-flags that you would want to note? Talk to veteran workers
Preparation Choosing Time to Visit Time of Day Mornings also have fewer witnesses Time of week/month Benefits day, paydays - Fridays, first of the month Nicer weather- Holidays
Preparation - Heading out Establish your route Put valuables in the trunk, full tank, etc plenty of time Google maps - Street view Let them know that you are coming Give them a chance to clean up/out Even on arrival
Getting there Lock the car doors Choose smart locations to stop texting, checking map, etc Have a plan if you are lost Carjacking safety- beware of interruption Safety plans different for rural areas
Getting there Arrival Check it out first scope out the area drive by check Call them
Getting there Parking Easy to leave pointing out not in driveway don’t get blocked in not near hiding places - obvious, visible location
Getting there Walking Don’t look at your phone Only take what is necessary Dealing with people Don’t engage overlong but let them know you acknowledge them
Getting there Walking Avoid hidden spots where you can be assaulted or that can hide an assailant. Realize any “interaction” is a set up asking for a cigarette, directions, help with something
Arrival Dogs Ask first before arriving note in records Check for signs Rattle the gate Interaction: be friendly but cautious Don’t put your face in theirs
Arrival For public buildings, consider asking to be met at entrance Listen for concerns/warnings before knocking Stay at entrance/front if you can
Visiting Initial and continual scan weapons, drugs, unknown individuals Possible Drug use or manufacturing Meth Labs Cautious with offers of food/drink
Visiting Avoid, if possible, leaving the front area Keep doors open Keep your items with you Have them walk in front of you Position yourself for safety Closest to the door Watching everyone
Visiting- High Risk or Complicating Situations Family arguments Domestic Violence Cultural issues: strict disciplining of children Challenges in confronting parenting styles Flirtations inappropriate behavior and interactions testing boundaries intentionally Intoxication substance abuse and mental health concerns
Where can you refer?
Handling Hostile Encounters
“Open the Fist” ● Find a partner ● One person makes a fist ● The other tries to get the fist open Any means but don’t hurt anyone!!!! 30 seconds ● Switch
Self Control Fight or Flight or Freeze
Not Getting Angry What is your hot button? ● What is it that makes you angry? ● Something that they say or do: ○ A gesture ○ A word
Just as Antagonizing Passive Aggressive
Fear- Don’t let them intimidate you
How do you regain Self-Control? Take a breath Inspirational quote Get a drink of water What would ( ) do? Find what works for you
An appropriate response to each stage of aggression ● Angry – Customer Service Extreme ● Inappropriate - Setting limits ● Dangerous - Protecting self
Non Verbal Messages Body Language Para Verbal ● Volume ● Rate ● Tone
Reflective, Active Listening Rephrase (without parroting) ● Identify their issue/problem ● Identify their emotion
Providing Options Violence is about Power and Control
Providing Options ● Let them choose ● Don’t leave them without options ● Creative alternatives
Remove the Audience ● Family members ● Other people in lobby ● Teens, especially ● Can not lose face ● Personal pride protection
When have they “crossed the line”? Where is your line?
Setting limits 1) Identify their Behavior 2) Establish Consequences
When would you feel threatened? ● Cursing at you. ● Shaking a fist in your face. ● Making direct threats. ● Getting in your space. ● Shoving ● Racist, sexist, degrading words.
Heightened Awareness Can they be concealing a weapon? Potential weapons in the room? What is the most dangerous room in a house?
Leaving Do not take too long - get going Careful turning your back Walk with keys in hand Call in - Take notes in a safe location
Visiting - Precautions Body position is critical Move towards exit; do not get blocked Always listen to instincts if you feel like you should go not go or that you should leave, listen to that voice! Trust your Gut!
Red Flags If you feel unsafe: Pretend that you got a call/text and need to go. Make an excuse to make a call and drop the Codeword. JUST LEAVE
Steps to Support a Domestic Violence Victim ● Recognize ● Communicate ● Refer ● Support ● Protect
Common Mistake # 1 Judging them ● Why don’t you leave? ● Why do you stay? ● Why did you chose to this person? ●How can you take it?
Common Mistake # 2 Pushing them to leave ● Most dangerous time ● Must be prepared ● Has to be their decision
After Incident Documentation is key Let the next person be aware of concerns Consider follow up investigation “If it is not documented, it did not happen”
Most powerful prevention measure Creating a positive, healthy workplace.
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