D.1.17 Violence Prevention

Marine Biological Laboratory
Policy No. D.1.17
Security
Initiated by: Manager of POM and Security
Approved by: Director/CEO
Date: February 12, 2004
Revision:
Distribution: Community

1.0 Policy Statement:
It is the policy of to promote a safe environment for its employees, students, and visitors. The is committed to working with the entire Community to maintain an environment free from violence, threats of violence, persecution, intimidation, and/or other disruptive behavior. While this kind of conduct is not pervasive at our Laboratory, no workplace is immune. Every workplace will be affected by disruptive behavior at one time or another.

2.0 Definitions

  • 2.1 Acts of violence include any physical action, whether intentional or reckless, that harms or threatens the safety of another individual.
  • 2.2 A threat of violence includes any behavior that by its very nature could be interpreted by a reasonable person as an intent to cause physical harm to another individual.

3.0 Acts or threats of violence include conduct which is sufficiently severe, offensive or intimidating to alter the employment or learning conditions at or to create a hostile, abusive, or intimidating environment for one or several employees, students or visitors.

  • 3.1 Examples of violence include, but are not limited to, the following:
    • 3.1.1 All threats or acts of violence occurring on premises, regardless of the relationship between the and the parties involved in the incident
    • 3.1.2 All threats or acts of violence occurring off the premises involving someone who is acting in the capacity of a representative of the
    • 3.1.3 All threats or acts of violence occurring off the premises involving an employee of if the threats or acts affect the legitimate interests of the
    • 3.1.4 Any acts or threats resulting in the conviction of an employee or agent of the , or of an individual performing services for the on a contract or temporary basis, under any criminal code provision relating to violence or threats of violence which adversely affect the legitimate interests and goals of the
  • 3.2 Specific examples of conduct which may be considered threats or acts of violence include, but are not limited to, the following:
    • 3.2.1 Hitting or shoving an individual
    • 3.2.2 Threatening an individual or his/her family, friends, associates, or property with harm
    • 3.2.3 The intentional destruction or threat of destruction of property
    • 3.2.4 Harassing or threatening phone calls, electronic or written communications
    • 3.2.5 Harassing surveillance or stalking
    • 3.2.6 The suggestion or intimation that violence is appropriate
    • 3.2.7 Unauthorized possession or inappropriate use of firearms or weapons

4.0 To prevent personal injury, danger to another individual, and/or damage to property, the possession or use of any potentially dangerous item or material is strictly forbidden in all buildings or on campus. Such items are subject to confiscation and the bearer to disciplinary action. Items required in the pursuit of a person’s daily activities, as verified by the immediate supervisor, are considered exceptions to this prohibition.

  • 4.1 Examples of prohibited weapons include, but are not limited to, any firearms, ammunition, air-guns, knives, spring-type weapons, sling shots, martial arts weaponry, explosives, firecrackers, chemical sprays, or anything that may be construed to be used as a weapon.

5.0 The prohibition against threats and acts of violence applies to all persons involved in the ’s operation, including but not limited to personnel, students, contract, and temporary workers and anyone else on property.

6.0 Violations of this policy by any individual on property, by any individual acting as a representative of while off property, or by an individual acting off of property when his/her actions affect the ’s business interests will lead to disciplinary action up to and including discharge and/or legal action as appropriate.

7.0 Cooperation is needed to implement this policy effectively and to maintain a safe environment. Do not ignore violent, threatening or other disruptive behavior. If such behavior is observed by anyone on the premises, report it immediately to a Supervisor or Manager. Supervisors and Managers who receive such reports should seek advice from the Security office or the Human Resources office regarding investigating the incident and initiating appropriate action.

8.0 Threats or assaults that require immediate attention should be reported to ext. 7911 for staff attention and/or 9-911 for direct line to police and emergency medical.

9.0 Policy Clarification and Updates:
Policy clarification and updates are available from the Manager of POM and Security and
the Human Resources office.