Personal Safety, MSU and You: Personal Safety, MSU and You Staff Strategies for Personal Safety and Crime Prevention at Minnesota State University, Mankato By Carol Jensen, Safety Education & Crime Prevention Specialist


What is your definition of crime prevention?: What is your definition of crime prevention? Locking the door at night Locking the car Walking in pairs after dark Not hitchhiking Turning on the porch light after dark Keeping your telephone number private


Definition of Crime Prevention: Definition of Crime Prevention “The anticipation, recognition and appraisal of a crime risk and the initiation of action to remove or reduce it.”


ANTICIPATION: ANTICIPATION The ability to observe settings and situations and assess what opportunities exist for crime to occur Think like the bad guy – just temporarily! Know the risk before you’re faced with the situation


RECOGNITION: RECOGNITION Recognize suspicious activity and do something about it sooner, not later The ability to identify suspicious persons, unusual activity, things that are out of place We would rather respond to a “suspicious activity” call than come back two hours later to investigate a burglary


APPRAISAL: APPRAISAL A basic premise of crime prevention says that you are more likely to successfully prevent crime if you know which types of crime you are likely to experience. What crimes are most likely to occur at your workplace? Prepare according to the risk. There are no guarantees, only the opportunity to reduce the risk.


INITIATION OF ACTION: INITIATION OF ACTION Take steps to remove or reduce the risk Develop a workplace safety policy Prepare a safety plan and practice it regularly Educate employees about the risks and safety plan Learn about crime prevention and encourage your co-workers to do the same


What types of crime occur at MSU?: What types of crime occur at MSU? Almost any type of crime can occur anywhere at any time. Statistical data can help us decide what type of crime we are most likely to experience, so we can take steps to prevent it.


Preparation is the key!: Preparation is the key! Pre-pare for the eventuality that crime will affect your workplace Develop a workplace safety plan and review it regularly, making changes as needed Teamwork is a great foundation for crime prevention


Workplace Violence: Workplace Violence Homicide is the third leading cause of fatal occupational injuries in the US (OSHA 2000) In 2000, there were 674 workplace homicides, representing 11% of all fatal occupational injuries in the US (Bureau of Labor Statistics 2000) In 1999, 18% of all violent crimes were committed while the victims were on duty (National Crime Victimization Survey 1999)


Workplace Violence: Workplace Violence On a national average,1.8 workers per 100 reported being assaulted at work in 1999 Social service workers = 13 per 100 Health services workers = 9 per 100 Nat’l rate of violent crimes experienced by people at work is 13 in 1000 Police officers = 261 in 1000 (Nat’l Crime Victimization Survey 1999)


Workplace ViolenceRisk Factors: Workplace Violence Risk Factors Contact with the public Exchange of money Delivery of passengers, goods & services Having a mobile workplace (taxi, patrol car) Working w/ unstable or volatile persons in a health care, social service or criminal justice setting Working alone or in small numbers


Workplace Violence Risk Factors: Workplace Violence Risk Factors Working late at night or during early morning hours Working in a high crime area Guarding valuable property or possessions Working in a community based setting (Nat’l Institute of Occupational Safety & Health NIOSH 1996)


Workplace Violence Protective Factors: Workplace Violence Protective Factors A comprehensive workplace safety policy that involves human resources, local law enforcement, legal department, union representation, etc. A regularly repeated, comprehensive workplace violence training program “Training should not be regarded as the sole prevention strategy.” (OSHA 1999)


Where is MSU? : Where is MSU? Comprehensive Emergency Response Plan – updates currently with the cabinet Some areas have supplemental plans that go with the campus ERP. (Health Services, Library, Marketing/Communications) Work to be done in other areas Do you know where to go in the event that your work area is effected by an incident?


Workplace Violence Protective Factors: Workplace Violence Protective Factors A carefully considered workplace layout which includes appropriate barriers between employees and customers or clients (i.e. counters of appropriate height and width, tempered glass barriers at counters, available exits, etc.) Staff trained to recognize workplace violence risk factors in employees and clients


When Domestic Violence Comes to Work: When Domestic Violence Comes to Work Staff should be trained to recognize domestic violence warning signs in co-workers Responsibility for protecting the employee does not lie with the co-worker Multiple resources are necessary to address problem – employee assistance programs, human resources, law enforcement, legal department, etc.


When Domestic Violence Comes to Work: When Domestic Violence Comes to Work If DV victim co-worker will discuss problem openly, bring in a resource to help develop a safety plan for her –local resource: CADA Management may choose to stagger employee’s work times and locations to avoid a pattern Management may develop guidelines to use screen calls from the abuser, make the employee unavailable, monitor any threats made via the receptionist, etc.


Office Safety: Office Safety Diffuse & Report Incidents Remain calm and pleasant with irate callers, customers or coworkers – You stay safer and more in control by not going to their level Try to listen to what the person is saying. Make it clear that you can only help if they themselves stay calm Keep aware of tone, body position, and implied or actual threats If it’s clear that you are not going to be able to assist the person, call for a supervisor Document the incident as soon as possible or call the MSU Security Department


In a confrontation…: In a confrontation… Evaluate the threat and the ability of the perpetrator to carry out the threat Use calming, quiet language Encourage the perpetrator to sit down and talk it out. Most workplace violence can be averted just by getting the perpetrator to sit down. Offer the customer/client some cold water and invite them to sit and discuss the problem. Offer solutions and empathy; do not argue


In a confrontation…: In a confrontation… If the confrontation turns physical, consider your options Yelling, screaming to attract attention might work in a stranger attack situation Appear to be cooperative and wait for an out Negotiate (take my car keys, let me go) Comply (armed robbery) Prepare to physically resist if necessary


In a confrontation…: In a confrontation… If you choose to physically resist, you must be prepared to injure the subject and go all the way You can’t start to physically resist, stop, then try another tactic


In a confrontation…: In a confrontation… Use items at your disposal as weapons – stapler, heavy flashlight, high heeled shoe Hit or kick the attacker in vulnerable areas – eyes, nose, throat, groin, shin, toes If one technique isn’t working, try another


Campus Safety: Campus Safety Fear-Inducing Incidents (Suspicious Packages/Devices, Bomb Threats, Biologic Threats) Don’t touch the item – leave it where it is Leave the area and inform others as you do – unless you have been exposed Close doors behind you Call Security at Ext. 2111 and follow campus emergency procedures Make yourself available to authorities


Campus Safety: Campus Safety Fear-Inducing Incidents: (Telephone Threat) Get as much information as you can from the caller including time, location and type of incident (bomb, biologic threat, etc.) Write down the conversation – use the Bomb Threat Checklist – available by calling Security ext. 2111. Call Ext. 2111 and follow instructions Make yourself available to authorities


Other risks: Other risks Theft of purses, wallets, petty cash Vandalism Theft from vehicle Motor vehicle theft


Theft in the Workplace: Theft in the Workplace Opportunity for theft exists in almost every workplace Theft of petty cash, office equipment, mechanical equipment, tools, time Maintain good cash control practices in your workplace Maintain good key control practices in your workplace


Theft in the Workplace: Theft in the Workplace Keep purses, wallets, car keys, valuables locked in your desk drawer Do not allow unexpected service workers into your workplace and let them work unattended Be aware of thieves working in pairs – one distracts you at the counter while the other steals your purse, wallet, etc. Do not leave valuables unattended


Vandalism: Vandalism Park your vehicle in a well-lighted area Do not leave valuables in your car Make sure exterior lights work properly and turn them on Report vandalism to police immediately


Vehicle Break-ins: Vehicle Break-ins Most car prowlers look for cars that are easily (and quietly) accessible. Close all windows and lock all doors to your vehicle, even if you will return shortly. Park in a well-lighted space. Remove your stereo face plate. Never leave valuables, ID or cash in the car. If your car is prowled, do not touch anything and call police.


Vehicle Break-ins: Vehicle Break-ins Record the serial numbers of any stereo equipment you may have in the car. Consider engraving your stereo equipment with your Owner Applied number. If the equipment is stolen – report it. If it is later recovered, the officer can use your report to contact you. Serial numbers/OAN of recovered stolen items are matched against a database to see if the owner can be identified.


Motor Vehicle Theft: Motor Vehicle Theft Always lock your car and don’t leave a hidden key nearby or on the vehicle. Never leave your vehicle running unattended “to warm up.” If your vehicle is stolen, report it to police immediately.


If your vehicle is stolen…: If your vehicle is stolen… Be prepared to provide police with: Color, year, make, model of the car (i.e. Red 1988 Honda Accord 4-door) License plate, significant identifying features (i.e. primered front quarter panel, custom paint, etc) Insurance & Registered Owner information


Speaking of cars…: Speaking of cars… Central Minnesota winters present several driving hazards. Be prepared to drive in the snow, slush and sleet. Better yet, stay home if you can. If you are traveling over area passes, call 511 before you leave to assess pass conditions. Always carry an emergency kit in your car.


Emergency Kits Should Contain:: Emergency Kits Should Contain: Extra clothing and appropriate footwear Food and bottled water Extra windshield wipers and wiper fluid Anti-freeze Sand or cat litter Shovel Flares Gloves, scarf, hat Blankets Flashlight with batteries Fire extinguisher Jumper cables Extra ice scraper Tire chains (know how to use them!!!)


Other Road Hazards…: Other Road Hazards… In 2005, MSU made 143 underage consumption arrests. How many drove? How many over 21 drove? If you observe a driver who may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, call 9-1-1.


When describing a vehicle, think CYMBAL: When describing a vehicle, think CYMBAL Color Year Make/Model Body And License Be prepared to provide direction of travel, etc.


Safety on the Go: Safety on the Go When you leave, tell someone else where you’re going and when you’re coming back. Leave phone numbers of where you can be reached. Keep you car doors locked when traveling. In traffic and at stop lights, “read” the situation and always leave yourself a way out.


Safety on the Go: Safety on the Go Keep your purse or wallet secured near your body. Women – do not wear your purse around your neck. Be aware of your surroundings and be prepared to change your course if necessary. If you’re being followed, go into a public place such as an open business.


Emergencies on Campus: Emergencies on Campus Use the blue phones to connect immediately with police dispatch. Know your location and be able to give an address if possible. Stay calm and let the dispatcher guide the conversation. Do not hang up until the dispatcher tells you to hang up.


Emergencies on Campus: Emergencies on Campus Alert others to the emergency and ask for help from passersby if necessary. Be prepared to answer questions that the emergency dispatcher will have. If the threat is still present, whether it be a suspect, fire, or other, advise the dispatcher and attempt to go to a safer place. Do not move injured persons unless the threat of letting them stay where they are is greater than their injury.


Wrapping it up….: Wrapping it up…. Questions? Comments?


For more information about crime prevention…: For more information about crime prevention… Contact the MSU Security Department at 389-2111. Visit the Partners in Safety website at www.mnsu.edu/safety Visit the MSU Security website at www.mnsu.edu/security