What to Do in an Emergency?
All urgent and/or potentially dangerous
threats or acts of violence must immediately be reported to Security (x5555) and
your supervisor. Let security and the sheriff’s department handle the
situation.
When confronted with a potentially violent
person use these guidelines:
- Project calmness: move and speak slowly,
quietly and confidently.
- Focus your attention on the other person to let
them know you are interested in what they have to say.
- Maintain a
relaxed yet attentive posture and position yourself at a right angle
rather than directly in front of the other person.
- Accept criticism in a
positive way. When a complaint might be true, use statements like "You are
probably right" or "It was my fault." If the criticism seems unwarranted,
ask clarifying questions.
- Acknowledge the feelings of the other person.
Indicate that you can see he or she is upset.
- Do not use styles of
communication which generate hostility such as apathy, brush off,
coldness, going strictly by the rules, or giving the run-around.
- Don’t
reject all of the person’s demands from the start.
- Don’t make sudden
movements which can be seen as threatening. Notice the tone, volume and
rate of your speech.
- Don’t challenge, threaten, or dare the person.
Never belittle the person or make him or her feel foolish.
- Don’t try to
make the situation seem less serious than it is.
- Don’t invade their
personal space. Make sure there is a space of 3’ to 6’ between you and the
other person.
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