University Department of Public Safety

The University defines violence in the workplace and academic environment as "any behavior, action or statement made by an individual or group directed toward another individual, or group, that is threatening or intimidating and causes any reasonable individual who is the recipient of the behavior, action or statement to fear for the individual's safety and/or property" (Policy 1-004). This may include, but is not limited to:

• causing or attempting to cause bodily injury or intimidation to another person
• intentionally destroying or damaging any property, public or private
• approaching or threatening another with a weapon
• making any oral, written, or physical gesture as a threat to harm any person or property
• stalking or engaging in actions that frighten, coerce, or induce duress regarding anyone's safety or personal property

Workplace violence occurs in many forms, but incidents typically fall into four categories (as outlined by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health):

1.  Criminal Intent - an outsider who enters the workplace/campus with the intent to commit a criminal act
2.  Customer/Guest - violence directed toward University employees by those who use University facilities (i.e. students, patients, campus guests, etc.)
3.  Employee-on-Employee - violence against an employee that is committed by another employee, supervisor, manager
4.  Personal Relationship - violence committed by an employee's or student's personal relationship that spills into the campus environment (i.e. friends, spouses, significant others, family members)

Acts of violence can also be categorized as:

• Affective (i.e. impulsive and emotional; reactionary; due to poor anger management/coping skills)
• Targeted (i.e. pre-meditated; predatory; directed toward a specific individual, group, or place; often grievance-based)

All types of violence should be reported so that the University can promptly investigate and respond, and to help ensure the safety, privacy, and rights of all persons involved.

All complaints of violence, assaults, threats and intimidation are treated seriously and promptly investigated with reasonable steps taken to protect the safety and privacy of everyone involved.

Anyone who engages in or threatens violence on University property, or while conducting University business off-campus, may be removed from the premises as quickly as safety permits, and may be required to remain off University property pending the outcome of an investigation. The University’s response may include, but is not limited to, suspension and/or termination, reassignment of job duties, suspension or termination of employment, and/or dismissal of the person or persons involved.

The University may also pursue and/or support criminal prosecution of those who threaten or commit work-related violence against its employees, students, faculty members, patients, visitors or their property.

Report all emergency situations, immediate safety concerns, and crimes in progress immediately to University Police. Call 911 or University Police at 801-585-2677.
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Disruptive behavior is inappropriate behavior that interferes with the functioning and flow of the workplace, or that hinders or prevents faculty and staff members from carrying out their professional responsibilities. While uncomfortable, disruptive behavior does not always indicate that someone will be physically violent.

• For more information on managing disruptive and concerning behavior in the classroom can be found here.
• For more information on managing disruptive behavior and abusive conduct in the workplace, visit Human Resource's website
• For information/training on how to de-escalate situations in healthcare settings, contact the Department of Public Safety's Health Security Division

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Threatening or concerning behavior may indicate that someone is on a pathway toward committing targeted violence. As such, it's important that our community is aware of these behaviors and reports concerns, so that the appropriate campus partners can coordinate disciplinary and behavioral responses to help manage the situation.

• For more information on how to identify and report threatening/concerning behaviors, visit the Threat Assessment & Management Partnership's website.

Anyone who reports a threat or incident of violence in good faith (i.e. has a reasonable belief that the incident occurred) or presents evidence in an investigation will be protected from any retaliatory actions or negative administrative/academic actions.

Individuals who have ongoing concerns about their safety after the incident or as a result of submitting a report should work with University Police and their Crime Victim Advocates on safety planning measures.

Individuals may also reach out to confidential Victim/Survivor Advocates within the Center for Campus Wellness for additional services and support.

The University of Utah enforces state law regulating firearms on campus, as outlined in Policy 1-003: Firearms on Campus and Guideline G-1003A.

Visit the SafeU website for more information and training on the University's protocols for addressing concerns about firearms on campus.

Preparation and practice are key to surviving an active aggressor situation. Visit the Department of Public Safety's Emergency Management's website for more information and resources.

Counseling, safety planning, and other support services are available to those who have experienced or witnessed campus violence. Visit SAFEU for more information.

Individuals who have ongoing concerns about their safety after the incident or as a result of submitting a report should work with University Police and their Crime Victim Advocates on safety planning measures. Individuals may also reach out to confidential Victim/Survivor Advocates within the Center for Campus Wellness for additional services and support.

If you've obtained a judicial protective/restraining order listing the University of Utah (or its satellite locations) as protected, you must immediately provide a copy of the order to University Police. This allows the University to help ensure your safety while on our campus.

The University's Policy 1-004 and Rule 1-004A address violence in the workplace and academic environment.

In addition, there are several University policies that address abusive conduct, behavioral misconduct, discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct in the academic, workplace, and healthcare environments, including:

• Policy 1-012: University Non-Discrimination Policy
• Policy 1-021: Abusive Conduct
• Policy 5-111: Corrective Action and Termination Policy for Staff Employees
• Policy 6-316: Code of Faculty Rights and Responsibilities
• Policy 6-400: Student Rights and Responsibilities

University of Utah Health has specific policies and procedures outlining how violent /threatening behavior should be addressed in healthcare settings.  More information can be found on the Pulse website here.