Introduction to Security

1Introduction to SecurityChapter 12Drugs and Violence in the Workplace

2The Threat of DrugsThe U.S. has a long history of drug use, including alcohol.The cost of drug abuse is staggering; in 2002, the cost was estimated at 180.9 billion dollars.At an increase of 5.3% per year, it represents one of the most costly health problems in the U.S.

3The Threat of DrugsLargo Corp. vs. Crespin (1986); the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that an employer or proprietor could be held liable for the conduct of an intoxicated employee or patron if the drinking occurred at work or at the place of business.

4Drug Statistics19.1 millions Americans 12 and older currently use illicit drugs.8% of the countrys population has used an illegal drug in the past 30 days.Pharmaceutical drug abuse rate exceed those of all other drugs, except marijuana.Marijuana is the most widely abused illicit drug.

5Drug SchedulesSchedule I heroin, LSD, GHB, marijuanaSchedule II morphine, PCPSchedule III anabolic steroids, codeineSchedule IV valium, xanax, rohypnolSchedule V Robitussin, OTC products

64 Categories of DrugsNarcoticsDepressantsStimulantsHallucinogens

7I. NarcoticsProduce sleep, lethargy, or relief of painExamples: heroin, cocaine and crack

8Narcotics - MarijuanaThe most available and abused illegal drug in the U.S.Sinsemilla a highly potent form of marijuanaOften cited as a gateway drug meaning it leads users into the abuse of harder drugs

9II. DepressantsSedatives fall into this categoryOften taken orally as a small tablet or capsule to induce sleep or relieve tensionSymptoms are: signs of drunkenness, slurred speech, impaired coordination, mental and emotional instability

10III. StimulantsAlso known as amphetaminesNormal doses produce wakefulness, increase alertness and initiative and hyperactivityExaggerated feelings of confidence, power and well-being come from too-large doses

11III. StimulantsSymptoms of heavy stimulant use include nervousness, hand tremors, mouth dryness and pupil dilation.Because of these symptoms, handling people under the influence of stimulants is always a safety concern for security officers.

12III. StimulantsMethamphetamine a potent stimulant, synthetically produced, is a huge concern for employersAlso known as speed, ice, and crystalMethamphetamine use tends to be regionally concentrated, focused in the West and Midwest.

13IV. HallucinogensProduce distortion, intensify sensory perception, and lessen the ability to discriminate between fact and fantasyExamples are LSD, PCPA symptom almost always present is nystagmus; a bouncing or jerking of the eyeball when the person looks to the extreme left or right.

14General symptoms of drug use:Sudden and dramatic changes in discipline and job performanceUnusual degrees of activity or inactivitySudden and irrational flare-upsSignificant change in personal appearance or the worse.

15General symptoms of drug use:Dilated pupils or wearing sunglasses at inappropriate places or timesNeedle marks, razor cuts or wearing long sleeves constantly to hide themSudden, uncharacteristic attempts to borrow money or stealAssociation with known drug abusers or pushers

16Alcohol AbuseAccording to the Institute of Alcohol Studies, 3-5% of the workforce is alcohol dependent.

173 ways alcohol can impair work performance:Employees with a raised alcohol level can jeopardize both efficiency and safety through errors in judgment and increased accident proneness.The after-effects of drinking (hangovers) impair both work performance and attendance.Persistent alcohol abuse can be associated with a range of social, psychological and medical problems.

18Preventing Alcohol Problems in the WorkplaceMake sure the workplace culture does not encourage or tolerate drinkingOffer health and employee education programsEstablish EAPs to help employees with existing problems

19Violence in the WorkplaceThe definition for workplace violence is quite complex, but it encompasses behaviors ranging from personal concern (threats, bullying, harassment) to injury to death.

20Violence in the WorkplaceNational Association of Safety Professionals 3 levels of violence:Disruptive Behavior intimidation, bullying, obscene language or gestures, shouting, other non-physical acts

21Violence in the WorkplaceNational Association of Safety Professionals 3 levels of violence:Aggressive/ threatening behaviors: obscene calls, stalking, serious harassment, physical trauma, suicide threats

22Violence in the WorkplaceNational Association of Safety Professionals 3 levels of violence:Physical assault, including throwing objects, pushing, grabbing, striking, sexual assault and any attack with a weapon

23Violence in the Workplace

The workplace violence continuum illustrates a general pattern followed with workplace violence:

24Violence in the WorkplaceWorkplace violence is most likely to occur in a toxic work environment.Toxic work environment characterized by:Highly authoritarian style of management invasive of privacyChanging supervision patternsWork climate cloaked by extreme secrecy

25Other motivations for workplace violence:Job loss due to downsizingUncaring working environmentAvailability of gunsPersonality conflictsResentmentHigh levels of stress on the jobSubstance abuseMental health issues

26Recognizing the Risk Who does it?The typical perpetrator of workplace violence is:White Male25-50 years oldLonerDisgruntledHas been or is about to be firedGun enthusiast

27Warning Signs:Leakage of violent thoughts. Pay attention to what people are saying and take concerns voiced by others seriously.DepressionParanoiaErratic BehaviorFixation on a co-workerThreats (direct, indirect or conditional)Direct to a certain place or personIndirect I could kill everyone.Conditional If this happens, youll regret it

28Preventing Workplace ViolenceA proactive plan, customized to your workplace, is essential.Clear no threats, no violence policies including zero tolerance.No weapons at work policiesTraining for all employeesCareful pre-employment screeningAn effective reporting system

29Violence in Schools From July 1, 2005 through June 2006, 35 youths age 5-18 died from school-associated violence.6% of students ages 12-18 reported they were afraid of attack or harm at school. (Black and Hispanic student rates are higher than white students.)

304-pronged approach for effective school security:School/law enforcement/security partnershipsClear policies on accepted behavior with consequences for nonconformitySecurity procedures & technologyCrisis planning

31#3 Security ProceduresVideo surveillanceVirtual toursCell phonesAdvanced weapons detection systemBiometricsNew Jersey schools using an iris recognition system to only allow authorized people into schools