A newly-published brochure on the protocol for threat response at the University has been issued and is available through the provosts, deans and public safety offices. The University-wide recommendations were derived from the work of the Metropolitan Campus’ Threat Assessment Task Force headed by James Kenny, criminal justice (Metro), and David Miles, University director of public safety (Metro/Flor). A Web-based training program for faculty and staff on “Recognizing and Averting Workplace Violence” is planned.

As described in the protocol, “Fairleigh Dickinson University recognizes that civility, understanding and mutual respect toward all members of the University community foster a climate intrinsic to excellence in teaching and learning. Violence or threats of violence on campuses or at campus-sponsored events will not be tolerated.”

Threats of violence include, but are not limited to, any situation initiated from internal and external sources that:

• Endangers the safety of any employee, student, visitor or faculty member;
• Has an impact on an individual’s physical and/or psychological well-being;
• Causes damage to personal or University property; and
• Creates a hostile campus environment.

Violence prevention is best accomplished by stopping the process before it gets started. Attention must be given to the early warning signs of possible violence. Maintaining a healthy campus environment and addressing minor violations of University policy lower the risk of aggressive responses and increase the possibility of peaceful solutions.

The protocol suggests several ways to defuse a situation. In dealing with an aggressive person, it is best to refrain from hostile, threatening or apathetic communications. Rejecting demands from the start, showing disrespect, trivializing the situation or invading the individual’s personal space can set the individual off. Avoid challenging body language such as placing hands on the hips, moving toward the person or staring directly at the person. One should remain seated and not attempt to physically touch the individual. One should not agree or argue with distorted statements. The following steps to DEFUSE a situation should be considered:

• Do stay calm and control your anger.
• Establish ground rules; take breaks to calm the person down.
• Focus on positive outcomes and the consequences of violent actions.
• Uncover what the person wants; repeat what is requested.
• Speak slowly, confidently, quietly; using active listening techniques.
• Encourage the person to consider possible solutions; offer support.

There are several guidelines for post-crisis response. Do not expect or pretend that business as usual conditions exist after there is a serious violent attack. You should expect that many will feel stressed following an incident. The following strategies should be considered:

• Provide detailed facts (who, what, where, when how) to public safety, human resources and the dean of students.
• Discuss/debrief the incident with your staff/faculty and/or students.
• Consider the need for immediate counseling services.
• Don’t feel that you should have all the answers; ask for help.
• Look for signs of stress in individuals.
• Change locks; add alarms and other types of physical security as necessary.

Some Important Numbers

Imminent Threat — In the event of an imminent threat, contact public safety immediately: Metropolitan Campus — 201-692-2222 or College at Florham — 973-443-8888;

Preventive or Nonemergency Assistance — For any type of preventive or nonemergency assistance, the contact(s) are listed below:

Verbal Threats — Public Safety, 201-692-2222 (Metropolitan Campus) and 973-443-8888 (College at Florham);

Physical Violence — Public Safety, 201-692-2222 (Metropolitan Campus) and 973-443-8888 (College at Florham); and Human Resources, 201-692-2702 (Metropolitan Campus) and 973-443-8940 (Florham); and

Sexual Harassment — Human Resources, 201-692-2702 (Metropolitan Campus) and 973-443-8940 (College at Florham).

The department of student counseling and psychological services is available to any University member and student — Metropolitan Campus at 201-692-2174 or College at Florham at 973-443-8504.

An additional note: the Relational Violence Committee, chaired by Joan Leder, senior program director, continuing education (Metro), received a $1,000 grant from Target stores for the distribution of resource materials for the committee’s informational campaign.

April/May 2005

View text only for this complete issue.

Flor =
College at Florham, Madison, N.J.

Metro =
Metropolitan Campus, Teaneck, N.J.

Information Deadlines