Threatening, Violent or Disruptive Behavior

Threatening behaviors may include statements or acts of intention and/or expressions of excessive emotion. They can be indirect or direct, verbal or nonverbal. Shaking a fist or pounding on a desk are examples of nonverbal threats. Verbal threats may be indirect expressions of frustration or anger directed toward a person or office, or they may be direct statements of the intention to harm. All members of the university community should consider any threatening behavior as potentially serious and report such behaviors.

Violent behaviors are physically aggressive acts. University community members should respond quickly to ensure their personal safety. Report violent acts immediately, once safe.

Disruptive behaviors are behaviors by an individual or individuals which prevent or significantly impair effective workplace or classroom activities. Disruptive behaviors may also be perceived as threatening.

Most people who commit violent acts exhibit warning signs. It is important to take seriously any behaviors or words that imply threat and consult appropriate people to assess the risk and plan interventions.

 

Steps to Follow

  1. If the threat is immediate, leave the situation if possible and call the Eugene Police Dept. at 911 and Department of Public Safety 541-346-6666. If the threat or behavior indicates possible danger, take action immediately to protect yourself. 


If you hear gunshots in your area or building

  • Don’t second guess yourself – if you think you heard gunshots, respond immediately
  • Quickly assess the situation and move to a safe place
  • Call 911  when you are in a safe location
  • Response options in order of preference
  1. Get Out – If you can safely evacuate the building do so immediately. Warn others as you evacuate.
  2. Hide Out – If you cannot evacuate safely, search for a room or other place to hide. In a room lock the door and blockade it with heavy furniture. Turn off lights and cell phones and stay quiet. If you can climb up on tall furniture, do so. If several people are in the room scatter around the room rather than clustering together

For an angry or hostile student, customer or coworker 

  • Stay calm.
  • Listen attentively.
  • Maintain eye contact.
  • Be courteous. Be patient. Be respectful.
  • Keep the situation in your control.

If shouting, swearing, or threatening continues

  • Signal a coworker, or supervisor, that you need help (have a prearranged code word or alarm system).
  • Do not make any calls yourself.
  • Have someone call DPS or police.

 If someone is threatening you with a gun, knife, or other weapon

  • Stay calm. Quietly signal for help. (Use an alarm or code word.)
  • Maintain eye contact.
  • Stall for time.
  • Keep talking—but follow instructions from the person who has the weapon.
  • Don’t risk harm to yourself or others.
  • Never try to grab the weapon.
  • Watch for a possible chance to escape to a safe area.

 

  1. If the threat isn’t immediate, consult with appropriate resources to receive assistance in assessing the level of danger, determining an appropriate intervention, and choosing appropriate safety measures. Resources to consult in addition to immediate administrator are: 

If, after consultation, it is determined that the threat IS serious and may result in danger to a member of the university community take the following steps:

  • If there is imminent danger, call the Eugene Police Dept. at 911 and Department of Public Safety 541-346-6666.
  • Advise your immediate administrator of the incident, results of the consultation, and the action plan. Each administrator should inform the next level up to the vice president who will determine if the president should be notified.
  • If the incident involves an employee, staff should consult the Office of Human Resources (541-346-2965) and faculty should consult the Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs.
  • If the incident involves a student, call the Office of Student Life (541-346-3216).
  • Document the incident. Describe the sequence of statements and the context. Give details. Have threats been made in the past? Is the person known to have a weapon? Is there a history of animosity? This information is important in evaluating the level of risk. Cite consultations, plan for action, and action taken. Forward a copy to Human Resources, the Office of Student Life or the director of DPS as appropriate

If, after consultation, it is determined that the threat IS NOT serious and is unlikely to result in danger to any member of the university community, do the following: 

  • Inform your immediate administrator of the incident, the results of the consultation, and action plan.
  • In consultation with your immediate administrator, determine who will convey to the individual that it is not acceptable to make such threats.
  • Document the incident. Describe the sequence of statements and the context. Give details. Have threats been made in the past? Is the person known to have a weapon? Is there a history of animosity? This information will be important in evaluating the level of risk if there is another threat. Cite consultations, plan for action, and action taken. Forward a copy to Human Resources, the Office of Student Life or the director of DPS as appropriate.