Harassment,
Threats & Violence on Campus - Procedures
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- For
any on-campus emergency, dial x1-911. From a cell phone dial (413)
538-2304.
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- HARASSMENT,
THREATS, VIOLENCE ON CAMPUS
Harassment,
threats and violent behavior are unacceptable and will not be tolerated
at Everett Community College. All reports of harassment, intimidation,
threats, and physical violence will be investigated and individuals
subject to disciplinary action, including expulsion, termination
and prosecution.
Planning and
practice are effective tools individuals may take to prevent and
protect against the unlikely event of violence on campus. Preventive
actions include: 1) Learning to recognize early warning signs, 2)
Early reporting and intervention, 3) Considering potential scenarios,
and 4) Planning a response.
Every hostile
or potentially violent situation is different and the threatened
individual will have to rely on his/her best judgment on the best
course of action, given the unique situation. Your own safety and
the safety of others are the top priority.
Harassment:
1. Do not ignore
harassing behavior. Report concerns to your supervisor or to Security.
2. Do not tolerate verbal or physical harassment from anyone.
3. Do not give out personal information about others (co-workers
or students), such as home address, class schedule, or telephone
number.
4. Report civil protection orders (“No Contact Orders”
or “Restraining Orders”) to Public Safety. The Public
Safety Department will request a copy of the order.
5. Call extension 1-911 (cell 413-538-2304) for
Public Safety Assistance
Suspicious
person:
1. Establish
eye contact and ask if you can help him or her.
2. Do not physically confront the person.
3. Do not let anyone block your access to an exit.
4. Do not let anyone into a locked building or office.
5. Do not block the person’s access to an exit.
6. Call extension 1-911 (cell 413-538-2304) for
Public Safety assistance.
7. Keep a safe distance.
8. Note the person’s travel direction, clothing, body type
(weight & height), sex, race, approximate age, jewelry worn,
any visible scars, identifying body marks, body piercing and/or
tattoos, etc.
Threats:
* Treat all
threats or rumors of violence as serious. Call 1-911
(cell 413-538-2304) if you are in danger of bodily harm or consider
the threat to be immediate.
* Call 1-911 (cell 413-538-2304) if you observe
a weapon, are informed of someone on campus in possession of a weapon,
or informed of someone’s intent to bring weapons to campus.
* Every situation is different and the threatened individual will
have to rely on his/her best judgment as to the best course of action,
given the unique situation. Your own safety and the safety of others
are the top priority. General guidelines include:
Immediate
or Imminent Violence:
* If you hear
gunshots or witness an armed person, isolate yourself and others
from the suspect. Close, lock and barricade doors, close curtains,
lie on the ground. If in open space, hide to the maximum extent
possible – get behind something solid (a wall, planter, etc).
* Call extension 1-911 (cell 413-538-2304) if it
is safe to do so. Provide as much detail as you know and what action
you have taken. Follow Public Safety's instructions. Do not expose
yourself or others until notified by police that the danger has
passed.Do not speculate. Depending on circumstances, the responding
Public Safety Officers will coordinate efforts with the law enforcement
officers.
Hostile
or Armed Confrontation:
* Remain as
calm as possible.
* Be cooperative and patient.
* Time is on your side.
* Offer to listen.
* Don’t judge or argue with perceptions.
* Treat each concern as important and valid. A person in crisis
will only respond to someone who is willing to listen, understanding,
respectful, and non-threatening.
* Maintain polite eye contact.
* Keep gestures and body language open and non-threatening. Use
a low, soft, slow voice when you speak. Ask or tell the person before
you make any moves.
* Be truthful - to lose credibility can be catastrophic. Assure
the person you will do everything you can to resolve his/her grievances
in a fair manner.
* Ask the aggrieved party to suggest a solution. A person in crisis
will be more accepting of a solution that he/she has helped formulate.
* Always look for win-win outcome. Retaining dignity (saving face)
is paramount to the person in crisis.
* Be observant. Note as much as possible about the aggressor, including
type and number of weapons, state of mind, what was said. Pay attention
to details about the space you are in. If you are released or decide
you must escape, this information will be needed by police to ensure
the safety of others.
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