Workplace Violence Date: Mon, 22 Nov 1999 12:18:58 -0500 To: "USGS Employees"From: Joyce Pieritz Subject: Workplace Violence In Reply Refer To Mail Stop 601 #11806 MEMORANDUM November 18, 1999 To: All U.S. Geological Survey Employees From: Charles G. Groat /s/ Director Subject: Workplace Violence Supervisors, Managers, and Team Leaders: Please ensure that employees without access to e-mail receive a copy of this message. As you are aware from reading the daily newspapers, acts of violence or threats of violence at the workplace are on the rise in this country. I am committed to providing a safe, healthful, and secure work environment for all U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) employees: one in which we treat each other with respect and dignity and one that continues to keep the USGS relatively free of such incidents. Violence or threatening behavior in the workplace can arise from various sources, including current and former employees, family members and friends, or members of the general public. Preventing workplace violence requires a cooperative effort from the entire USGS community. Working together, we can keep our workplace safe. I wish to ensure a safe workplace and to see that management and employees are provided with sufficient information about workplace violence to identify potential situations so that critical incidents can be avoided or the severity of such incidents can be reduced and, if an emergency does occur at the USGS, we will be prepared to deal with it effectively. To accomplish this, I have established an antiviolence policy and the Office of Personnel has prepared a Workplace Violence Handbook that provides guidance on identifying and responding to violent and/or threatening situations. My policy is stated below. All employees are responsible for maintaining a safe work environment. Acts of violence or threats of violence, either explicit or veiled, verbal or written, are unacceptable and will not be tolerated in the workplace. This includes harassment, intimidation, and other disruptive behavior. All reports of incidents will be taken seriously and will be dealt with appropriately. Possession of firearms, ammunition, and dangerous or deadly weapons in USGS controlled/occupied space is prohibited by law, except for those individuals who are authorized to carry firearms. Violations of this policy by employees or visitors to USGS facilities will be treated seriously. Employee violations will result in disciplinary action, which may include removal from the Federal service. Violations by visitors will be handled by the Federal Protective Service and/or appropriate local law enforcement authorities. We need your cooperation to implement this policy effectively and maintain a safe working environment. I urge all USGS employees to become familiar with the Workplace Violence Handbook, which is online at http://www.usgs.gov:8888/ops/hro/er/vilence/index.html. If you observe or experience violent or threatening behavior by anyone on agency premises, whether he or she is an agency employee or not, report it immediately to a supervisor or manager. In cases requiring immediate emergency assistance, call security, the Federal Protective Service, or local law enforcement. I will support all efforts made by supervisors in dealing with violent, threatening, harassing, intimidating, or other disruptive behavior in our workplace. If you have any questions about this policy, please call your servicing personnel office.