Purpose

The purpose of this plan is to outline a workplace violence prevention program for Normandale Community College employees, students, guests and organizations contracting with the college.  This plan outlines the response to workplace violence and recovery support.

Prevention Program

The Normandale Community College Program to prevent or respond to violence in the workplace has three major components:

    1.     Prevention of Violence

    2.     Response to Incidents of Violence

    3.     Recovery from Critical Incidents

Responsibilities

All students and staff are expected to refrain from violence, and are responsible for prompt reporting of incidents of violence.   However, the following groups have specific responsibilities for implementation of the prevention plan:

    1.     Workplace Violence Prevention Team

            The Normandale Community College President will appoint a Workplace violence Prevention Team to serve as a sub-committee of the college Safety Committee.  The Workplace violence Prevention Team will include the Director of Safety & Security, the Associate Dean of Students, the Director of Human Resources, a member appointed by the Safely Committee, and other faculty and staff with expertise to advise the team.  The team will be responsible for conducting periodic workplace reviews related to violence and will determine specific responsibilities during a crisis where advanced planning is possible.  this team will also be responsible for conducting a review after a violent incident has occurred.

The team will also provide recommendations on training programs, education and awareness efforts, and other actions the college could take to prevent workplace violence.

    2.     Office of Safety and Security

            The Safety & Security Office will receive and promptly investigate all initial complaints, and will maintain records on all incidents of violence.  The Safety & Security Office is authorized to act independently of the Workplace violence Prevention Team to respond to reports of incidents of violence.

            The Director of Safety and Security is responsible for the referral of complaints regarding staff and students to the appropriate representative on campus.  The Director will serve as a member of the Workplace Violence Prevention Team.

            The Safety & Security Office is responsible for implementing actions which promote safety for employees, students, and others, including providing escort services, addressing security concerns in the facility, and, in conjunction with the Workplace violence prevention team, providing training to staff and students on the prevention of violence.

   3.     Office Human Resources

            The Human Resources Office will provide training to supervisors on topics such as discipline, motivation and teamwork, and conflict management skills.  the Director of Human Resources will serve on the Workplace Violence Prevention Team.

            The Human Resources Office will be responsible for the investigation into complaints of alleged employee violence, and will ensure that in cases of employee misconduct and discipline, collective bargaining agreement provisions are followed.

   4.     Office Academic and Student Affairs

            The Academic and Student Affairs Office will address issues affecting potential violence in the classroom and the academic setting.

            The Associate Dean of Students will be responsible for investigation and any subsequent action taken in response to a complaint of violence perpetrated by a student.  The Associate Dean of Students will serve as a member of the Workplace Violence Prevention Team.

      5.     Supervisors

            Supervisors have a key role in ensuring a safe work environment.  Supervisors will ensure that the Safety & Security Office is notified immediately when a threat is made or a violent incident occurs.  They will take appropriate disciplinary action in compliance with provisions of labor agreements.  They are responsible for implementing the policies that are developed and making sure employees in their areas attend training sessions.

    6.     Employee Assistance

            The college will utilize the Employee Assistance Program to conduct training and provide employee assistance wherever needed.   Employee Assistance may make appropriate recommendations for protecting college personnel, students, guests and property.

Implementation

    1.     Training

            The Safety & Security and Human Resources Offices, in cooperation with the Workplace Violence Prevention Team, will coordinate training programs for all employees.  Bargaining units and the Employee Assistance Program will be invited to co-sponsor training that may include:

            - identifying and reporting individuals engaging in violent behavior, incidents and                  physical settings

            - de-escalation of hostile situations

            - conflict resolution

            - dealing with anger

            - listening and problem solving

            - implementation of progressive discipline

            - Employee Assistance Program

            - special programs for laid-off employees

    2.     Education and Awareness

            The Normandale Community College Weekly Bulletin and other campus publications will be encouraged to assist in the education of the campus community by including articles on violence prevention, tolerance and non-violent resolution of problems.

            In addition, guidelines to address threats or violent incidents will be distributed to employees.

Response to Reports of Incidents of Violence

All incident of violent or threatening situations should be reported to the Campus Security Office.  In case of life threatening situations, local law enforcement will be contacted immediately.

The Safety & Security Office will be responsible for coordinating responses to violent or threatening situations at the college.   Employees of that office will respond to and stabilize violent situations and prepare a report of their findings.  Reports must fully detail the specific incident and identify all persons involved, including witnesses.  All reports will be initially investigated by the Director of Safety & Security or referred to appropriate campus representative, who will provide a full report to the President, including a follow-up on the response action taken.

The Safety and Security Office will forward reports of complaints involving alleged employee misconduct to the Human Resources Office; complaints regarding student behavior will be forwarded to the Associate Dean of Students.   They will be responsible for any further investigation, and will recommend the appropriate means to address the complaints while maintaining confidentiality and guaranteeing timely due process.

Recovery from Critical Incidents

The following types of incidents are defined as critical incidents:

   1.    An incident involving an employee or student which results in death, great or substantial bodily harm to an employee or a member of the public.

    2.    An incident in which deadly force, as defined M.S. 609.066, Subd. 1, is used by a person at the college.

    3.    An incident deemed serious enough by the circumstances to warrant investigation and review, such as hostage situations, death or injury of a person, or extremely hostile encounters.

The college will follow one or more of the following plans in response to a critical incident:

    1.    When appropriate, crisis intervention will begin immediately following an incident, and may include group counseling sessions, individual counseling sessions, post-trauma awareness counseling for supervisors and co-workers of traumatized employees.

    2.    The Workplace violence Prevention Team will conduct a post-incident interview and analysis to provide recommendations for changes to this plan.

    3.    The Safety & Security Office will evaluate the situation and take steps to help prevent any immediate or recurring threat to physical safety.

Distribution of Plan

This plan will be included or referenced in the following publications:

    1.     Employee Orientation Handbook

    2.     Faculty Handbook

    3.     Student Handbook

    4.     Annual Security Report/Handbook

The policy and plan will be distributed to all college employees.  They will be posted on the official college bulletin board outside the Human Resources Office.  It will be maintained on the college INET.