1 Introduction to Security Chapter 12 Drugs and Violence in the
Workplace
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2 The Threat of Drugs The 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.
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3 The Threat of Drugs Largo 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.
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4 Drug Statistics 19.1 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.
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5 Drug Schedules Schedule I heroin, LSD, GHB, marijuana
Schedule II morphine, PCP Schedule III anabolic steroids, codeine
Schedule IV valium, xanax, rohypnol Schedule V Robitussin, OTC
products
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6 4 Categories of Drugs I.Narcotics II.Depressants
III.Stimulants IV.Hallucinogens
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7 I. Narcotics Produce sleep, lethargy, or relief of pain
Examples: heroin, cocaine and crack
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8 Narcotics - Marijuana The most available and abused illegal
drug in the U.S. Sinsemilla a highly potent form of marijuana Often
cited as a gateway drug meaning it leads users into the abuse of
harder drugs
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9 II. Depressants Sedatives fall into this category Often taken
orally as a small tablet or capsule to induce sleep or relieve
tension Symptoms are: signs of drunkenness, slurred speech,
impaired coordination, mental and emotional instability
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10 III. Stimulants Also known as amphetamines Normal doses
produce wakefulness, increase alertness and initiative and
hyperactivity Exaggerated feelings of confidence, power and
well-being come from too-large doses
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11 III. Stimulants Symptoms 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.
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12 III. Stimulants Methamphetamine a potent stimulant,
synthetically produced, is a huge concern for employers Also known
as speed, ice, and crystal Methamphetamine use tends to be
regionally concentrated, focused in the West and Midwest.
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13 IV. Hallucinogens Produce distortion, intensify sensory
perception, and lessen the ability to discriminate between fact and
fantasy Examples are LSD, PCP A symptom almost always present is
nystagmus; a bouncing or jerking of the eyeball when the person
looks to the extreme left or right.
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14 General symptoms of drug use: Sudden and dramatic changes in
discipline and job performance Unusual degrees of activity or
inactivity Sudden and irrational flare-ups Significant change in
personal appearance or the worse.
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15 General symptoms of drug use: Dilated pupils or wearing
sunglasses at inappropriate places or times Needle marks, razor
cuts or wearing long sleeves constantly to hide them Sudden,
uncharacteristic attempts to borrow money or steal Association with
known drug abusers or pushers
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16 Alcohol Abuse According to the Institute of Alcohol Studies,
3-5% of the workforce is alcohol dependent.
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17 3 ways alcohol can impair work performance: 1.Employees with
a raised alcohol level can jeopardize both efficiency and safety
through errors in judgment and increased accident proneness. 2.The
after-effects of drinking (hangovers) impair both work performance
and attendance. 3.Persistent alcohol abuse can be associated with a
range of social, psychological and medical problems.
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18 Preventing Alcohol Problems in the Workplace Make sure the
workplace culture does not encourage or tolerate drinking Offer
health and employee education programs Establish EAPs to help
employees with existing problems
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19 Violence in the Workplace The definition for workplace
violence is quite complex, but it encompasses behaviors ranging
from personal concern (threats, bullying, harassment) to injury to
death.
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20 Violence in the Workplace National Association of Safety
Professionals 3 levels of violence: 1.Disruptive Behavior
intimidation, bullying, obscene language or gestures, shouting,
other non-physical acts
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21 Violence in the Workplace National Association of Safety
Professionals 3 levels of violence: 2.Aggressive/ threatening
behaviors: obscene calls, stalking, serious harassment, physical
trauma, suicide threats
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22 Violence in the Workplace National Association of Safety
Professionals 3 levels of violence: 3.Physical assault, including
throwing objects, pushing, grabbing, striking, sexual assault and
any attack with a weapon
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23 Violence in the Workplace The workplace violence continuum
illustrates a general pattern followed with workplace
violence:
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24 Violence in the Workplace Workplace violence is most likely
to occur in a toxic work environment. Toxic work environment
characterized by: Highly authoritarian style of management invasive
of privacy Changing supervision patterns Work climate cloaked by
extreme secrecy
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25 Other motivations for workplace violence: Job loss due to
downsizing Uncaring working environment Availability of guns
Personality conflicts Resentment High levels of stress on the job
Substance abuse Mental health issues
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26 Recognizing the Risk Who does it? The typical perpetrator of
workplace violence is: White Male 25-50 years old Loner Disgruntled
Has been or is about to be fired Gun enthusiast
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27 Warning Signs: Leakage of violent thoughts. Pay attention to
what people are saying and take concerns voiced by others
seriously. Depression Paranoia Erratic Behavior Fixation on a
co-worker Threats (direct, indirect or conditional) Direct to a
certain place or person Indirect I could kill everyone. Conditional
If this happens, youll regret it
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28 Preventing Workplace Violence A proactive plan, customized
to your workplace, is essential. Clear no threats, no violence
policies including zero tolerance. No weapons at work policies
Training for all employees Careful pre-employment screening An
effective reporting system
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29 Violence 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.)
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30 4-pronged approach for effective school security:
1.School/law enforcement/security partnerships 2.Clear policies on
accepted behavior with consequences for nonconformity 3.Security
procedures & technology 4.Crisis planning
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31 #3 Security Procedures Video surveillance Virtual tours Cell
phones Advanced weapons detection system Biometrics New Jersey
schools using an iris recognition system to only allow authorized
people into schools