A threat to any member of the campus community -- whether it is to oneself or to another person -- is taken with the utmost seriousness by the university. These threats can be made personally, but can also be made in a variety of ways -- email, text messaging, letters, through another person, etc.  They can also be direct, or more subtle.

Individual and Group Safety Information

There is no exact method to predict when a person will become violent. One or more of these warning signs may be displayed before a person becomes violent, but does not necessarily indicate that an individual will become violent. A display of these signs should trigger concern as they are usually exhibited by people experiencing problems:

• Irrational beliefs and ideas
• Verbal, nonverbal or written threats or intimidations
• Fascination with weaponry and/or acts of violence
• Expressions of a plan to hurt himself or others
• Externalization of blame
• Unreciprocated romantic obsession
• Taking up much of supervisor's time with behavior or performance problems
• Fear reaction among co-workers/client
• Drastic change in belief systems
• Displays of unwarranted anger
• New or increased source of stress at home or work
• Inability to take criticism
• Feelings of being victimized
• Intoxicated from alcohol or other substances
• Expressions of hopelessness or heightened anxiety
• Productivity and/or attendance problems
• Violence towards inanimate objects
• Stealing or sabotaging projects or equipment
• Lack of concern for the safety of others

Prevention Policy

Violence in the Workplace Prevention Policy The State of Connecticut has adopted a statewide zero tolerance policy for workplace violence. The Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS) fully supports this policy and recognizes the right of its employees to work in a safe and secure environment that is characterized by respect and professionalism.

Prohibited Conduct

Except as may be required as a condition of employment:

• No employee shall bring into any state worksite any weapon or dangerous instrument as defined in this policy.
• No employee shall use, attempt to use, or threaten to use any such weapon or dangerous instrument in a state worksite.
• No employee shall cause or threaten to cause death or physical injury to any individual in a state worksite.

In addition, DAS prohibits:

• All conduct, either verbal or physical, that is abusive, threatening, intimidating or demeaning.

Definitions

• "Weapon" means any firearm, including a BB gun, whether loaded or unloaded, any knife (excluding a small pen or pocket knife), including a switchblade or other knife having an automatic spring release device, a stiletto, any police baton or nightstick or any martial arts weapon or electronic defense weapon.
• "Dangerous instrument" means any instrument, article or substance that, under the circumstances, is capable of causing death or serious physical injury.
• Confiscation of Weapons and Dangerous Instruments
• Any weapon or dangerous instrument at the worksite will be confiscated and there is no reasonable expectation of privacy with respect to such items in the workplace.

Reporting Procedure

• Emergency Situations: Any employee who believes that there is a serious threat to his/her safety or the safety of others that requires immediate attention should call 911. The employee must also contact his/her immediate supervisor or the Human Resources Office at (860) 713-5182.
• Non-Emergency Situations: Any employee who feels subjected to or witnesses violent, threatening, harassing, or intimidating behavior in the workplace should immediately report the incident or statement to his/her supervisor or manager, the Human Resources Office, or the DAS Threat Assessment Team (860) 713-5655.

Threats To Employees/Students

• Supervisors/Managers Responsibilities: Any manager or supervisor who receives a report of violent, threatening, harassing, or intimidating behavior shall immediately contact the Human Resources Office so that office many evaluate, investigate, and take appropriate action.

Investigation and Corrective Action

• DAS will promptly investigate all reports or alleged incidents of violent, threatening, harassing or intimidating behavior.
• All employees are expected to cooperate fully in all such investigations.
• The employee suspected of violating this policy may be placed immediately on administrative leave pending the results of the investigation.
• If the claims of violent, threatening, harassing, or intimidating conduct are substantiated, the employee will be dealt with through the appropriate disciplinary process, and may be subject to discipline up to and including dismissal from state service.
• Where the situation warrants, DAS will request that the appropriate law enforcement agencies become involved in the investigation of the matter, and DAS may seek prosecution of conduct that violates the law.