How Can I Help Prevent Crime and Violence in My Workplace?

Preventing crime and violence in the workplace begins by drawing up a preventive plan. The installation of alarms and security cameras can help protect your place of business, your inventory, and your high-priced equipment from theft or vandalism.

Less common but more serious, violence in the workplace often originates from a particular employee. A disturbing change in an individual's behavior can indicate that a violent or criminal incident might be forthcoming. Intimidation and bullying, frequent and obvious mood swings, clear evidence of alcohol or drug abuse, and a clear preoccupation with violence or criminal behavior are all behaviors that require your immediate attention. You can help give yourself grounds for dismissing a troubled employee by providing all staff with a written employee handbook that details acceptable and unacceptable employee conduct.

For more on prevention, be sure to read Preventing Crime and Violence in the Workplace.