Workplace Anti-Violence Policy

The policy is part of the municipality's goal to establish effective, democratic, transparent, and accountable municipal governance. To achieve this, the municipality is committed to increasing the capacity of city officials through training, improving the delivery of municipal services, and generating revenues. The policy defines workplace violence as behavior that inflicts or threatens to inflict damage to property, serious harm, injury, or death to others at the workplace. Threats, intimidation, and zero-tolerance standards are also defined in the policy. The municipality maintains a zero-tolerance standard of violence in the workplace and prohibits violent behavior of any kind or threats of violence. Employees are responsible for refraining from acts of violence and reporting any dangerous or threatening situations to their managers or supervisors. Managers and supervisors are responsible for assessing situations, making judgments on the appropriate response, and taking action to protect employees from further violence. They are also responsible for initiating the inquiry process and evaluating the workplace to make recommendations regarding a reasonable response. The policy outlines prohibited behaviors, including direct threats or physical intimidation, stalking, possession of weapons, assault, physical restraint, and other acts that a reasonable person would perceive as constituting a threat of violence. Guidelines for reporting a case of violence are also provided, including contacting the immediate manager or supervisor, the Department Director, and the Human Resources Director. In cases involving emergency situations or criminal activity, the Human Resources Director will contact the Mayor and the Police Department. Incidents not involving emergency situations or criminal activity will be handled by the Human Resources Department. The Human Resources Director will determine whether an inquiry is needed and who will conduct the inquiry. The inquiry process involves data collection, interviewing the alleged victim, and interviewing the alleged offender. The goal of the inquiry is to develop a true and accurate account of the incident. The inquiry should be conducted in a sensitive, supportive manner, and the rights of all persons involved should be respected. The policy emphasizes the importance of confidentiality and objectivity in the inquiry process. The municipality will take disciplinary action against employees who commit acts of violence and will not tolerate retaliation against individuals who make complaints regarding violent behavior or threats of violence. The policy aims to create a safe and respectful work environment for all employees and the public.