The City is committed to preventing workplace violence and to
maintaining a safe work environment. Given the increasing violence
in society in general, the City has adopted the guidelines set forth
in this policy to deal with intimidation, harassment, or other threats
of (or actual) violence that may occur during business hours or on
its premises. Violent acts or threats made by an employee against
another person or property are justification for disciplinary action
and prosecution. This includes any violence or threats made on City
property, at City events or under circumstances that may negatively
affect the City's ability to conduct business.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
following meanings unless the context indicates otherwise:
To knowingly give substantial encouragement, by action or
inaction, to another person engaged in conduct prohibited by this
policy.
To knowingly give substantial assistance, by action or inaction,
to another person engaged in conduct prohibited by this policy.
A.
It shall be unlawful for any employee to engage in the following
conduct while on City property or while on City business:
(1)
Aggressive or hostile behavior that subjects another person to a
reasonable fear of injury or subjects another person to emotional
distress;
(2)
Aggressive or hostile behavior that causes physical injury to another
person;
(3)
Committing acts of domestic violence;
(4)
Intentionally damaging the property of the City or another employee;
(5)
Making threatening remarks; and
(6)
Possession of a weapon except with the authority of the Chief of
Police.
B.
It shall be unlawful for any employee or any person doing business
with the City to aid or abet the doing of any acts prohibited under
this policy.
C.
All employees, including supervisors and temporary employees, should
be treated with courtesy and respect at all times. Employees are expected
to refrain from fighting, "horseplay," or other conduct that may be
dangerous to others. Firearms, weapons, and other dangerous or hazardous
devices or substances are prohibited from the premises of the City
without proper authorization.
D.
Conduct that threatens, intimidates, or coerces another employee,
a customer, or a member of the public at any time, including off-duty
periods, will not be tolerated. This prohibition includes all acts
of harassment, including harassment that is based on an individual's
sex, race, age, or any characteristic protected by federal, state,
or local law.
E.
All threats of (or actual) violence, both direct and indirect, should
be reported as soon as possible to your immediate supervisor. This
includes threats by employees, as well as threats by customers, vendors,
solicitors, or other members of the public. When reporting a threat
of violence, you should be as specific and detailed as possible.
F.
All suspicious individuals or activities should also be reported
as soon as possible to a supervisor. Do not place yourself in peril.
If you see or hear a commotion or disturbance near your work station,
do not try to intercede or see what is happening.
G.
The City will promptly and thoroughly investigate all reports of
threats of (or actual) violence and of suspicious individuals or activities.
The identity of the individual making a report will be protected as
much as is practical. In order to maintain workplace safety and the
integrity of its investigation, the City may suspend employees, either
with or without pay, pending investigation.
H.
Anyone determined to be responsible for threats of (or actual) violence
or other conduct that is in violation of these guidelines will be
subject to prompt disciplinary action up to and including termination
of employment.
I.
The City encourages employees to bring their disputes or differences
with other employees to the attention of their supervisors or the
City Administrator before the situation escalates into potential violence.
The City is eager to assist in the resolution of employee disputes
and will not discipline employees for raising such concerns.
