Spring Fire Department Workplace Violence/Weapon-Free Policy 2014 PDF

**[PURPOSE]** Spring Fire Department strives to maintain a productive environment free of violence and the threat of violence. It is committed to the safety of our personnel, citizens, vendors and visitors. **[SCOPE]** This policy applies to all personnel of Spring Fire Department. **[REVIEW]**...

**[PURPOSE]** Spring Fire Department strives to maintain a productive environment free of violence and the threat of violence. It is committed to the safety of our personnel, citizens, vendors and visitors. **[SCOPE]** This policy applies to all personnel of Spring Fire Department. **[REVIEW]** The Executive Board is responsible for reviewing this policy and assuring its accuracy. **[PROCEDURE/POLICY]** Spring Fire Department does not tolerate any type of workplace violence committed by or against personnel. Any threats or acts of violence against personnel, citizens, vendors or visitors or property will not be tolerated. Any personnel who threaten violence or acts in a violent manner while on Department premises or during working hours will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination. Where appropriate, Spring Fire Department will report incidents to local law enforcement authorities. A violent act or threat of violence is defined as any direct or indirect action or behavior that could be interpreted, in light of known facts, circumstances and information, by a reasonable person, as indicating the potential for or intent to harm, endanger or inflict pain or injury on any person or property. Examples of prohibited conduct include but are not limited to: - Physical assault, threat to assault or stalking personnel or citizen; - Possessing or threatening with a weapon; - Intentionally damaging property of Spring Fire Department or personal property of another; - Aggressive or hostile behavior that creates a reasonable fear of injury to another person; - Harassing or intimidating statements; - Phone calls, voice mails, text messages, e-mail messages or any message delivered in any form and through media which are unwanted or deemed offensive by the receiver. Any personnel who feel threatened or is subjected to violent conduct or who witnesses threatening or violent conduct at the workplace shall report the incident to his or her supervisor or Human Resources Department immediately. Personnel shall report all suspicious individuals or activities as soon as possible. In addition, any personnel who has a restraining order in effect that is applicable to that person or any other issue that has a potential to cause workplace violence shall notify the employee's direct supervisor or Human resources Department. Spring Fire Department will take all reports of violence or threats seriously. **Weapon Free Workplace Policy** Weapons are strictly prohibited on all property owned or leased by or under the control of Spring Fire Department regardless of whether the individual in possession of the weapon has a license or permit. No job applicant, personnel, vendor, contractor or other person may, while on property owned by or under the control of Spring Fire Department, possess, carry, use or display a weapon for any reason. Spring Fire Department reserves the rights to have supervisors conduct unannounced searches and inspections, to ensure compliance with Spring Fire Department's policy and procedures. Full and Part-time Police Officers must have the permission of the Deputy Chief of Support Services to carry their respective weapon(s). A weapon includes, without limitation, guns, non-household knives, except pocket knives containing a single-edged blade no more than 4 inches in length (either free-standing or contained in multipurpose tools), and explosives. Chemical sprays such as mace and pepper spray that are commonly used for self-defense are excluded from this policy. The prohibition against weapons applies regardless of whether the weapon is unloaded or incapable of being fired. This policy does not prohibit employees who otherwise lawfully possesses a firearm, or who lawfully possesses ammunition from transporting or storing a firearm or ammunition; the employee is authorized by law to possess in a locked, privately owned motor vehicle in a parking lot, parking garage, or other parking area that the Department provides for its employees. Any personnel found to be in violation of this policy will be disciplined up to and including termination. Others found to be in violation of this policy may be instructed not to return to Spring Fire Department's property and the matter will be, if necessary, referred to the appropriate authorities. I acknowledge that I have received, read, and understand the Workplace Violence/Weapon Free Workplace Policy of Spring Fire Department. I understand that failure to comply with the policy could result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_    \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\ Employee Signature Date \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Employee Name (please print) \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_    \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\ Representative Signature Date