507 Violent or Criminal Behavior
Original Approval Date: April 15, 2009
Revision Effective:
Supersedes:
Reviewed: September 21, 2016
The Tri-County Board recognizes that violent or criminal behavior could occur in or near the Board’s office and that staff may need to respond.
If you witness a violent or criminal act
Hostage Situation:
Be Patient. Try to remain calm and quiet. Be observant; should you be released, what you remember may assist police in rescuing the others.
Follow instructions and be alert. Captors are not in a rational state of mind.
Don’t speak unless spoken to and then only when necessary. Don’t attempt to talk them down or rationalize with them.
Avoid appearing hostile. Maintain eye contact but do not stare.
Do not make any sudden moves. If you need your medicine, use of bathroom, first aid or other essentials, ask your captor.
Employees outside:
Instruct staff who managed to leave to remain together and far removed from the building until police arrive. Place staff members (at a reasonable distance from building) at each avenue of access to the area to alert pedestrians to stay away.
Supervisors should make a list of persons they believe to be in harm’s way. Notify authorities if any hostages may have a medical emergency. Caution: Refer to HIPAA guidelines (if available) for guidance before giving any client’s personal health information to authorities.
Direct any press who arrive to the Director of Community Resource Development or the Executive Director. It is possible the captor may be able to hear or see the press coverage and due care must be taken to protect the hostages.
Revision Effective:
Supersedes:
Reviewed: September 21, 2016
The Tri-County Board recognizes that violent or criminal behavior could occur in or near the Board’s office and that staff may need to respond.
If you witness a violent or criminal act
- Call 911 to request police assistance
- Remain calm and do not draw attention to yourself.
- If possible, leave the immediate area and direct other staff and visitors to do the same.
- If there is gunfire or an explosion, you should take cover immediately using all available concealment. In this circumstance, close and lock doors when possible to separate yourself and others from the armed suspect.
- Cooperate fully with authorities
Hostage Situation:
Be Patient. Try to remain calm and quiet. Be observant; should you be released, what you remember may assist police in rescuing the others.
Follow instructions and be alert. Captors are not in a rational state of mind.
Don’t speak unless spoken to and then only when necessary. Don’t attempt to talk them down or rationalize with them.
Avoid appearing hostile. Maintain eye contact but do not stare.
Do not make any sudden moves. If you need your medicine, use of bathroom, first aid or other essentials, ask your captor.
Employees outside:
Instruct staff who managed to leave to remain together and far removed from the building until police arrive. Place staff members (at a reasonable distance from building) at each avenue of access to the area to alert pedestrians to stay away.
Supervisors should make a list of persons they believe to be in harm’s way. Notify authorities if any hostages may have a medical emergency. Caution: Refer to HIPAA guidelines (if available) for guidance before giving any client’s personal health information to authorities.
Direct any press who arrive to the Director of Community Resource Development or the Executive Director. It is possible the captor may be able to hear or see the press coverage and due care must be taken to protect the hostages.
