Power Center and Skywalk
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Workplace Violence

Types of workplace violence

  • Physical assault and/or threat.
  • Stalking or continuous harassment that causes fear, worry or intimidation.
  • Actions aimed at disrupting or sabotaging operations.
  • Indirect threats, such as "I know where you live."

If you are a victim or witness

  • If the violence is life threatening, call COPS (x2677) from campus phone or 412.396.COPS (2677) and report your location, weapons involved, injuries and a description of the person making threats.
  • If it is not life threatening, advise your supervisor or Human Resources.
  • Try to move to a safe area.

If you are confronted by a threatening person

  • Leave the area, if possible.
  • Call COPS (x2677) from campus phone or 412.396.COPS (2677).
  • Try to stay a safe distance away.
  • Try to calm the person.
  • Try to get the attention of a co-worker who can call for help.
  • Listen to the person and let him/her do most of the talking.
  • Use delaying techniques to give the person time to calm down.
  • Acknowledge the person's feelings.
  • Be respectful and empowering.
  • Be reassuring and point out choices other than violence.
  • Don't belittle, criticize, agitate or argue with the person.
  • Don't reject all of the person's demands from the start.
  • Don't use body language or speech that challenges the person.
  • Don't make sudden movements.
  • Don't make false statements or promises.

For more information, refer to the Active Shooter Checklist and The Administrative Policy No. 48: Workplace and Campus Violence and Weapons Policy.