IS-2018 Anti-Violence in the Workplace

Human Resources

Release Date: 10/17/00
Revision 1: 11/11/04

Policy

CNM Board Policy

Employee Handbook 4.01, Code of Conduct and Workplace Behavior
Employee Handbook 12.03, Weapons and Firearms

Administrative Directive

Introduction

Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) attempts to maintain a safe workplace environment and to prevent and manage violent incidents.

CNM is committed to providing faculty, staff and students* with an environment that is safe, secure and free from threats, intimidation and violence. To promote an atmosphere that encourages learning and productive employment, quick responsive action will be taken if violent behavior or the threat of violence arises.

CNM will not discriminate against victims of workplace violence.  Confidentiality will be maintained to the extent allowed by law in an effort to encourage the reporting of incidents. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) (866) 327-2400 provides support for employees who are victims of workplace violence.

* Students who are not employees are covered by the Student Code of Conduct, found in the CNM Student Code of Conduct, and administered by the Dean of Students.  Incidents involving employees and students or student employees will also be referred to the Dean of Students' Office.

1. Action Plan

In the event of violent behavior or the threat of violence (including domestic violence on campus), CNM Security, Human Resources and Supervisors are required to adhere to Workplace Violence Policy and Procedure.

CNM Security, Human Resources and department supervisors, are in place to respond to violent behavior or threats of violence.  These groups identify the situation, protect employees and CNM property, secure the environment, restore order, contact emergency medical assistance, and notify the appropriate authorities.

The Employee Assistance Program is in place to support employees involved in incidents of violent behavior or threats of violence.  Outside agencies can be utilized at the recommendation of Human Resources or the department supervisor.

2. Reporting

CNM adheres to Duty to Warn - 29 USC Sec. 654, dated 01/05/99, TITLE 29 - LABOR CHAPTER 15 - OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH, Sec. 654.

Workplace safety is every employees responsibility.

2.1 Prompt and accurate reporting of all incidents, whether or not physical injury has occurred, is required on the Supplemental Incident Report form.

2.1.1 The Supplemental Incident Report form is available from Human Resources, Security or the direct supervisor.

2.2 Employees must assist in this process by reporting what they see in the workplace that could indicate that a co-worker is in trouble.

2.3 A reasonable effort will be made by Security, Human Resources, and supervisors to notify employees, customers, and others who need to know of the status of the incident or if danger persists.

3. Counseling

In the event of a major workplace incident that affects or has the potential to affect the mental health of CNMs workforce, CNM will provide initial counseling and support services to employees.

3.1 CNM provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all regular full-time and part-time employees.

3.1.1 While the Human Resources Director receives periodic usage reports on the number and types of visits or calls made to the EAP, the Director does not receive information about the individual contacting the EAP unless the EAP determines it is necessary to protect campus safety.

3.2 An initial assessment of a victim of a violent act may be done either in-house or referred to an outside agency, depending upon the situation at hand.

3.3 Employees may be referred to the EAP by their supervisor when deemed necessary.

4. Weapons

Carrying, possessing or storing weapons and/or firearms on CNM property or in the employees vehicle while the vehicle is on CNM property is prohibited.

Appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including termination, will be taken against any employee who is in violation of this policy.

4.1 Exceptions to this policy are law enforcement officers authorized by law to carry firearms.

4.2 Other exceptions shall be approved in advance by the President or the Presidents designee.

5. Training

As part of its commitment to maintaining a safe workplace, CNM has established training for employees, including supervisors and managers.

5.1 New employees are briefed during New Employee Orientation.

5.2 Existing employees are briefed by their direct supervisor.

6. Definitions

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a learned pattern of behaviors used by one person in a relationship to control the other person.  It includes but is not limited to:

  • Emotional abuse through mind games, name-calling, or put-downs

  • Isolation from family or friends

  • Economic abuse by withholding money or being prevented from getting or holding a job

  • Actual or threatened physical harm

  • Sexual assault

  • Stalking

  • Intimidation

Threat of Violence

An express or implied threat to interfere with an individuals health or safety, or with the property of CNM, which causes a reasonable apprehension that such harm is about to occur.  Examples of a threat of violence include, but are not limited to:

  • Direct or indirect threats of harm

  • Words or gestures that intimidate others

  • Prolonged or frequent shouting

  • Stalking or following an individual or conduct which causes another to fear for their safety

  • Possession of deadly weapons on CNM property

  • Coercion

Violent Behavior

The use of physical force or violence to restrict the freedom of action or movement of another person or to endanger the health or safety of another person or the property of CNM. It applies to all employees of CNM and any independent contractors hired by or working at CNM.  Examples of violent behavior include, but are not limited to:

  • Unwelcome physical contact

  • Slapping, punching, striking, pushing or otherwise physically attacking a person

  • Throwing, punching, or otherwise handling objects in an aggressive manner

  • Brandishing weapons

Weapons

Any instrument, device or thing capable of inflicting bodily harm or death, and designed or specially adapted for use as a weapon, or possessed, carried or used as a weapon. Weapons include but are not limited to:

  • Guns

  • Knives

  • Explosives

  • Incendiary devices

  • Any other item which may be used as a weapon that is commonly known to inflict bodily harm or death


Human Resources

Release Date: 10/17/00
Revision 1: 11/11/04

Procedure

1. Violent Behavior or Threat of Violence

In the event of violent behavior or the threat of violence (including domestic violence on campus) involving injury to persons or damage to property which constitutes a violation of State Statutes or local ordinances:

Employee/Department Supervisor

1.1  Call 911 or instruct witness to call 911.

1.1.1 Satellite campuses should contact Main Campus Security by dialing 911.

1.2 Find a safe place away from danger.

1.2.1 Take the most cautionary action to remove self/employee(s) from harm.

CNM Security

1.3 Notify the appropriate law enforcement agency if the threat or act of violence violates State Statutes and Local Ordinances.

1.3.1 Omit this step if State Statutes and Local Ordinances are not violated.

1.4 Contact emergency medical assistance provider immediately if needed.

1.5 Restore order in a conflict situation.

1.6 Enforce CNM Policy and Procedure and criminal law on CNM Property.

Employee/Department Supervisor

1.7 Contact Human Resources.

1.7.1 Satellite campuses contact Main Campus Human Resources at 224-4600.

Human Resources

1.8 Provide assistance to employee and/or the employing unit.

Human Resources/Security

1.9 Assist employee in completing a report of workplace violence or suspected workplace violence.

1.10 Ensure accurate and timely documentation using the Supplemental Incident Report Form.

1.10.1 The Supplemental Incident Report Form is available from Human Resources, Security or direct supervisor.

1.10.2 Determine who is involved in incident (witnesses, victims, offenders).

1.10.3 Include a record of information from all involved employees or witnesses, and an evaluation of the circumstances.

Department Supervisor

1.11 Promptly initiate appropriate corrective action based on the offender's degree of involvement.

Human Resources

1.12 Process requests for corrective action.

CNM Security

1.13 Determine offenders capabilities, including history of violence and previous criminal record.

1.14 Assist with completion of the investigation according to procedure and as determined by outside agencies.

1.15 Assist with or take the lead on deployment of the Action Plan, to be established at the time of incident.



Forms:

Support Materials:

IS-2062, Disciplinary Action
IS-2030, Employee Assistance Program

Reference Materials:

Student Code of Conduct
Employee Handbook 4.01, Code of Conduct and Workplace Behavior
Employee Handbook 12.03, Weapons and Firearms
29 USC Section 654