Bridgeport Fire Department Threats & Violence In The Workplace Policy 2005 PDF

Bridgeport Fire Department Policy #017 Effective Date : 05/19/2005 Revision Date: 02/28/2023 Fire Chief Signature THREATS & VIOLENCE IN THE WORKPLACE 1. Purpose 1.1. 1.2. 1.3. 2. Applicability 2.1. 3. The purpose of the Threats and Violence in the Workplace Policy is to provide direction to...

Bridgeport Fire Department Policy #017 Effective Date : 05/19/2005 Revision Date: 02/28/2023 Fire Chief Signature THREATS & VIOLENCE IN THE WORKPLACE 1. Purpose 1.1. 1.2. 1.3. 2. Applicability 2.1. 3. The purpose of the Threats and Violence in the Workplace Policy is to provide direction to department members in preventing and/or responding to incidents of workplace violence or a perceived threat of violence in the workplace. To reduce the probability that employees shall engage in verbal threats or physical actions that create a security hazard for others in the workplace. To ensure that any complaint of violence or threat of violence is taken seriously and is thoroughly and promptly investigated and to provide a basis for workplace violence prevention. This policy applies to all members of the Bridgeport Fire Department. Definitions 3.1 3.2 3.3 Workplace - May be any location, either permanent or temporary, where an employee performs any work-related duty. A workplace includes, but not limited to, firehouses and surrounding perimeters, including parking lots, incident locations as well as traveling to and from work assignments. Threat or Threatening Behavior - An overt expression, verbal or nonverbal, of an intent to cause physical or mental harm. It is intended to instill fear in the recipient thereof. An expression constitutes a threat without regard to whether the party communicating it has the present ability to carry out the threat or without regard as to whether the expression of harm is one of an immediate or future nature. Harassment or Intimidation - Threats or other conduct, which in any way, create a hostile environment; impair department operations; or frighten, alarm, or inhibit others. Psychological intimidation or harassment includes making statements which are false, malicious, disparaging, derogatory, rude, disrespectful, abusive, or racial, ethnic, or sexist slurs that may have the intent to hurt others’ reputations. Physical intimidation or harassment may include Bridgeport Fire Department Policy #017 Effective Date : 05/19/2005 Revision Date: 02/28/2023 Fire Chief Signature THREATS & VIOLENCE IN THE WORKPLACE 3.4 3.5 4. holding, impeding, or blocking movement, following, stalking touching or any other inappropriate physical contact or advances. Property Damage - Damage to property which includes property owned or utilized by the City, its employees, clients, and visitors. Weapon - Any instrument which shall cause bodily harm, physical damage, or death when used in the ordinary and usual manner contemplated by its design and construction and includes but not limited to; firearms, clubs, knives, stun guns, brass knuckles and martial arts weapons, or any item not designed or intended to cause harm that is used in a intimidation, threatening or used to cause harm. Responsibility This Policy applies to all members of the Bridgeport Fire Department. 5. Policy 5.1. 6. The Department’s Workplace Violence Policy is committed to promoting a safe environment for employees, clients, customers, and visitors, and to work with employees to maintain a work atmosphere that is free from violence, harassment, intimidation, and other disruptive behavior. The Department has a zero tolerance for such behavior in the workplace. Employees at all levels are encouraged to report threatening or intimidating behavior to the appropriate authorities in and outside the Department, which, in turn, shall be promptly investigated and if substantiated, remedied with appropriate administrative or disciplinary action. Procedure 6.1. All Members 6.1.1. All members of the Bridgeport Fire Department are required to set an example in their everyday contact with the public and department members. Employees shall refrain from all types of violent behavior, Bridgeport Fire Department Policy #017 Effective Date : 05/19/2005 Revision Date: 02/28/2023 Fire Chief Signature THREATS & VIOLENCE IN THE WORKPLACE verbal or physical. Any threat of violence upon another member of this department, including civilians, shall be subject to disciple up to and including termination. 6.1.2. Any time a member feels another member is becoming violent or threatening violence to anyone, they shall notify their immediate Supervisor of the problem and document the incident. 6.1.3. If at any time, a member feels that their Supervisor is displaying violent behavior or threatening violence, that member shall notify the next level of supervision of the problem and shall document the incident. 6.1.4. Members should call 9-1-1 for police assistance if they observe violence taking place or believes/feels there is an imminent threat to someone’s safety including their own. 6.2. Company Officers (Supervisors, etc.) 6.2.1. When confronted with any type of violence or threats of violence, determine if police assistance is immediately required, if any doubt, notify police for assistance and notify the Battalion Chief. 6.2.2. If appropriate, separate individuals and put the Company off duty, notify the next level of command and EMS if necessary. At the same time, keep individuals involved in a safe and guarded condition until arrival of assistance. 6.2.3. Investigate incident (Who, What, When, Where, Why). Document entire event and send information to the Executive Officer (Deputy Chief, Administration). 6.2.4. When staffing is restored, return Company to service. 6.3. Assistant Chief (Next level of Supervision) 6.3.1. If requested or if situation merits it, respond to the incident and privately question the Company Officer and members involved as to the problem. Determine if medical attention is required. 6.3.2. Any act or threat of violence requires police notification. Bridgeport Fire Department Policy #017 Effective Date : 05/19/2005 Revision Date: 02/28/2023 Fire Chief Signature THREATS & VIOLENCE IN THE WORKPLACE 6.3.3. Document entire incident and send a report to the Deputy Chief, Administration. 6.3.4. If at any time determine if Company should remain off duty. 6.3.5. Adjust staffing, if necessary, when situation is stabilized and return Company to service. Advise all members involved that EAP is available if needed. 6.4. Deputy Chief (Next level of Supervision) 6.14 Respond to incident if requested. 6.15 Determine if police were notified. 6.16 Investigate incident and send report to Executive Officer. 6.5. Member who made threats or initiated violence 6.17 Any member who makes threats of violence or engages in a violent act shall be subject to discipline, up to and including termination. An involuntary referral to EAP shall be required and a record of the incident shall be but in their personal file. 6.18 Returning to active duty shall be determined by a Professional Counselor, Medical Professional, and the Fire Chief. NOTES: Any type of threat, jokingly or not, that were presumed acceptable in the past, shall not be tolerated. Any Officer or Supervisor that is aware of this type of behavior is to immediately follow the procedures in this policy. Failure on the part of employee or Supervisor to act according to this policy shall result in discipline. All members are expected to cooperate with all and any investigations of workplace violence incidents. 7. Forms 7.1. Bridgeport Fire Department Communication Form #2326 Bridgeport Fire Department Policy #017 Effective Date : 05/19/2005 Revision Date: 02/28/2023 Fire Chief Signature THREATS & VIOLENCE IN THE WORKPLACE BY ORDER OF THE FIRE CHIEF