VA Workplace Violence

VIOLENCE IN THE WORKPLACE

VA Police - Reno, NV

Slideshow compiled by Officer Eric AlliDepartment of Veterans Affairs

Indianapolis, Indiana

WORKPLACE VIOLENCE PROGRAM

• Examples of Workplace Violence• Review of incidents at VA Medical Centers• Terrorism (Domestic and International)• Personal Safety• Resources for further information

What is Workplace Violence?

• Physical Assaults

• Sexual Assaults

• Threats

• Harassing Phone Calls

• Intimidation

• Violation of Protective Orders

• Disorderly Conduct

• Stalking

National Victim Center Statistics

Workplace Violence Facts

• 70% of all workplace violence incidents do not get reported

• Occupations most prone to violence are Police Officers, Mental Health Workers, Health Care Workers and Social Workers

• There are 1.7 victims of workplace violence each year in the United States

• Each week an average of 20 people are murdered and 18,000 are assaulted at work

Workplace Violence Facts

• Government employees have a higher rate of violence than private sector employees

• Women are over 8 times more likely to be victims of Workplace Violence than men

• Homicide is the second leading cause of workplace deaths

• Homicide is the #1 cause of workplace death for women

Prevention Strategies that Work

• Metal Detectors installed in a Detroit Hospital prevented the entry of 33 handguns, 1,324 knives, and 97 mace-type sprays in 6 months

• A system of restricting movement of visitors in a NYC hospital using identification badges and passes limiting visitors reduced violent crime by 65% in 18 months

Review of Incidents

VIOLENT INCIDENTS AT VA MEDICAL CENTERS

Salisbury, North CarolinaAugust 3, 2000 6:00 PM

Local Sheriffs Department transports an 83 year old wheelchair bound patient on oxygen to the local emergency room for involuntary commitment order.

Salisbury, North CarolinaAugust 3, 2000 6:00 PM

As Emergency Room employees are examining the patient, the patient pulls out a hidden .22 caliber handgun and shoots 45 year old Dr. Charles Flynn in the chest at a distance of approximately 3 ½ feet.

The patient then shoots at fleeing employees without hitting his target. Other employees drag Flynn from the room.

Salisbury, North CarolinaAugust 3, 2000 6:00 PM

VA Police Officers Stephen Chandler and Timothy Nason exchange fire with the suspect. The suspect is shot in the head and dies in the Emergency Room. No other employees were injured.

Salisbury, North CarolinaAugust 3, 2000 6:00 PM

Flynn is immediately airlifted from the scene from a helicopter that was on the property to transport an unrelated patient. Flynn survives the shooting.

Buffalo, New YorkAugust 17, 2001 11:15 AM

Parking attendant stops 39 year old army veteran to prevent him from driving down the wrong way on a one-way street. Veteran shoots the attendant in the neck with a .22 rifle.

Buffalo, New YorkAugust 17, 2001 11:15 AM

Veteran Proceeds into the Medical Center. VA Volunteer wrestles with the suspect and is shot in the hand. Volunteer is then stabbed twice with a large knife. Suspect then fires several rounds in the atrium, pharmacy and E.R. A File Clerk is then stabbed in the chest.

Buffalo, New YorkAugust 17, 2001 11:15 AM

The suspect fled the scene and was arrested by the F.B.I. at his residence. All the victims survived.

VA Police Officers received their firearms the next day.

Temple, TexasOctober 7, 2001 11:00 AM

73 year old patient enters a domiciliary with a 9mm handgun and shoots three people. 2 patients dead, one injured

San Juan, Puerto RicoApril 24, 2002 7:15 PM

VA Police Officer Jose Rodriguez-Reyes is working an outdoor gate to the facility. He is jumped by two men from behind, who attempt to take away his weapon.

San Juan, Puerto RicoApril 24, 2002 7:15 PM

Witnesses heard four shots. Officer Rodriguez-Reyes is found dead, shot in the head. He is the first armed Officer to die in the line of duty.

Murfreesboro, TennesseeOctober 7, 2003 7:30 AM

EMS employee on administrative leave enters the VA with a shotgun, .38 caliber handgun and a .30-06 rifle. He shoots at a Human Resources employee hiding under a desk. Suspect then shot at a vacant office.

Murfreesboro, TennesseeOctober 7, 2003 7:30 AM

After exiting the facility the suspect exchanged gunfire with VA Police Officers. The suspect then laid his weapon down and surrendered to VA Police. There were no injuries.

Amarillo, TexasNovember 13, 2003 8:30 AM

42 year old psych patient opens fire on the outside the Emergency Room with a .22 rifle begging for the police to shoot him.

Amarillo, TexasNovember 13, 2003 8:30 AM

VA Police Officers respond and disarm the suspect without any injuries to the suspect or others. The suspect was committed into the psych unit for medical treatment.

Dayton, OhioMarch 31, 2004 07:10 AM

37 year old male patient enters the Emergency Room complaining of a headache. Nurse gives the patient directions to a clinic.

Dayton, OhioMarch 31, 2004 07:10 AM

Patient pulls out a gun and holds the nurse hostage. VA Police respond and order the suspect to drop the gun. Patient refuses and is shot by Police.

Dayton, OhioMarch 31, 2004 07:10 AM

Patient survives the shooting. Nurse receives minor injuries during the incident.

Jackson, MississippiMay 12, 2004 11:55 AM

VA Police shoot at car thieves who attempt to run them over. Suspect survives and is charged with Attempted Murder of a Police Officer

Fayetteville, N CarolinaDecember 12, 2005 8:15 PM

VA Employee Arthur James Charland, (Pharmacy Technician) enters the VA Medical Center with a 12 gauge shotgun. He shot fellow employee Linda Levington at a close distance, killing her instantly.

Fayetteville, N CarolinaDecember 12, 2005 8:15 PM

Charland then turns himself into VA Police Officers and admitted what he did. He walks back to show Officers the victims body.

Other VA IncidentsOctober 28, 2002

Student Nurse at a VA returns to the University of Arizona, shoots and kills three of his professors for giving him bad grades

Other VA Incidents

1995 – VA Nurse Kristen Gilbert is convicted of killing four patients, and attempting to kill 3 others.

1997 – 48 year old patient shoots and kills Dr. Ralph Carter at the Jackson, MS VAMC before turning the gun on himself

2000 – Dr. Michael Swango is convicted of murdering three of his patients at the VA in Long Island, New York

Other VA Incidents

2001 – Veteran enters VA regional office in Atlanta, GA and holds a shotgun under his chin for several hours before surrendering

2001 – Armed suspects hold VA Pharmacy employees hostage while committing a robbery in Boston, MA

2005 – VA Researcher convicted in the negligent homicide of a patient in Albany, New York

VA Police Officers Killed in the Line of Duty Police Officer Marvin C. Bland

   VA Police – Massachusetts   End of Watch: Friday, September 6, 1985   Cause of Death: Automobile accident

Police Officer Mark S. Decker   United States Department of Veterans Affairs Police, US (Ohio)   End of Watch: Friday, January 31, 1986   Cause of Death: Gunfire

Police Officer Leonard B. Wilcox   United States Department of Veterans Affairs Police, US (Ohio)   End of Watch: Friday, January 31, 1986   Cause of Death: Gunfire

VA Police Officers Killed in the Line of Duty Police Officer Ronald Hearn

   US Department of Veterans Affairs Police, US (New York)   End of Watch: Monday, January 25, 1988   Cause of Death: Gunfire

Patrol Officer Garry RossEnd of Watch: Monday, December 24, 1990 Cause of Death: Heart attack

Police Officer Horst Harold Woods End of Watch: Tuesday, January 9, 1996 Cause of Death: Gunfire

Police Officer Jose Oscar Rodriguez-Reyes End of Watch: Wednesday, April 24, 2002 Cause of Death: Gunfire

Preventing Workplace Violence

• Notify the V.A. Police if you are the petitioner or respondent in a restraining order

• Report any usual behaviors by your co-workers to your supervisor or the V.A. Police

• Don’t ignore minor incidents of violence. Minor incidents lead to major incidents.

• Use code words if necessary to indicate potential violence to your co-worker

• WORK AS A TEAM!

Personal Safety – At Work• Keep Your Personal Property Locked• Do not keep your purse in your desk drawer• Don’t leave valuables in plain view to ‘invite’ a

thief• Lock your office, even if you are gone for a

short period of time• Keep personal property secured, even if you

are in your work area

Personal Safety – At Work• Call the VA Police if you are working in the

building outside your normal work area. If an emergency occurs, we will know where to locate you

Veterans Affairs Police Officers will provide you an escort to your vehicle, anytime you feel your safety is at risk!

Personal Safety – On the Street• Stay in well lit areas • Avoid walking in known trouble spots• Carry only what you need• Avoid carrying your purse • If you believe you are being followed, do not

walk home. Try to stay in a public area• When approaching your vehicle have your

keys ready• Carry a whistle

Personal Safety – At Home• Always keep your doors and windows locked• Repairmen should never be let in

unexpectedly. Always verify identity• Keep exterior of house clear from shrubs and

brush blocking windows• Never give out any information over the

telephone• Participate in a Neighborhood Crime Watch

Program

Personal Safety – Your Car• Always be alert!!!• Keep your car in good working condition• Keep your windows up and doors locked• Keep your cell phone ready and charged• Try to travel in well populated areas• If you feel you are being followed, drive to the

nearest police station• Don’t leave valuables in plain view

Prohibited Items / Activities

• Firearms / Ammunition• Knives (blades over 3” in length)• Mace / OC (Pepper Spray)• Brass Knuckles / Other Weapons• Alcohol• Unauthorized Photography

Contacting VA Police - Reno

EMERGENCIES Ext. 7777 Ext. 1234 Non-Emergency CallsExternal Line (775) 328-1234

The VA Police Office is located in the hallway near the Outpatient Pharmacy (next to SPD) Room GD136

TERRORISM “It is the duty for every Muslim to kill Americans, civilian

and military, who can do it in any country” – Osama Bin Laden

Terrorism

F.B.I Records from 1980 until 1999:• 272 terrorist incidents on U.S. Soil• 55 suspected terrorist incidents• 130 terrorist preventions• 2001 there were 348 attacks, 4,655 dead

Terrorism Tactics• Biological Attacks (Smallpox, Anthrax)• Chemical Attacks (VX Nerve Agent)• Radiological Attacks (dirty bombs)• IED (Improvised Explosive Device)• Kidnappings / Murder (Conventional)• Hijackings• Cyber-terrorism• Threats of any of the above

Terrorism in the U.S. September 6, 1901

First terrorist act of the 1900’s was the assassination of President William McKinley in 1901 by Leon Czolgosz, an anarchist.

Terrorism in the U.S. August 24, 1970

In a protest of the Vietnam War, a car bomb explodes outside Sterling Hall at University of Wisconsin. One dead, one injured

Terrorism in the U.S. December 29, 1975

Bomb detonated at TWA Terminal in LaGuardia Airport. 11 Dead. Case remains unsolved. International terrorist are suspected.

Terrorism in the U.S. June 3, 1980

Bomb explodes at the Statue of Liberty causing $18,000 damage. No injuries Case remains unsolved.

Terrorism in the U.S. February 26, 1993

World Trade Center hit with a car bomb. Six people killed, over 1,000 injured. Al-Qaeda terrorists take claim to the attack.

Terrorism in the U.S.February 23, 1997

Palestinian gunman opens fire at the observation deck of the Empire State Building killing 1, wounding 6

Terrorism in the U.S. September 11, 2001

Attacks in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington D.C., over 3000 dead

TERRORIST / BOMB INCIDENTS AT

VA MEDICAL CENTERS

Bay Ridge, NY September 23, 2001

Two terrorist suspects arrested at the VA Medical Center in Bay Ridge, NY by VA Police and FBI agents

Bay Ridge, NY September 23, 2001

Suspects were found in possession of fake passports, VAMC floor plans and other material inside the parking garage

Washington D.C. VAMC October 25, 2001

Anthrax found at the VA Medical Center in Washington D.C. Five employees placed on precautionary antibiotics.

Albuquerque , New MexicoApril 1, 2004 09:40 AM

Manuel Medina, arrested for planning to blow up the VA Hospital after his failed attempt at blowing up the Federal Building downtown with over 1 lb. of explosives in his vehicle

Salt Lake City, Utah May 20, 2004 3:50 PM

Veteran upset with his treatment makes an small bomb out of fireworks and shrapnel.

Approx. 100 patients evacuated. Device is disarmed by local Bomb Squad. Patient was arrested by VA Police and the F.B.I.

Seattle, Washington August 22, 2005

Federal Agents arrest Veteran Charles Whitaker for planning to blow up the VA Regional Office in Seattle, Washington.

Seattle, Washington August 22, 2005

Agents found guns and manuals for bomb making and booby traps after raiding his apartment. Criminal trial is pending.

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Al-Qaeda

Al-Qaeda “The Base”, lead by Osama Bin Laden has the goal of killing US Military and Citizens anywhere in the world

Al-Qaeda Attacks against the U.S.

• November 13, 1995 bombing of US Military complex in Riyadh (7 Dead)

• June 25, 1996 car bomb explodes outside of Khobar Towers Military Complex in Saudi Arabia (19 dead)

• August 7, 1998 car bombs in Kenya and Tanzania (224 dead)

• Bombing of U.S.S. Cole (17 dead)• September 11th attacks around US (2985 dead)

Khobar Towers

Hezbollah

Hezbollah, has the goal liberating Lebanon from Israel. Opposes administration of Arafat in Palestine. www.hizbollah.org

Hezbollah Attacks against U.S.• April 18, 1983 bombing, US

Embassy in Beirut (63 dead)• October 23, 1983 bombing US

Marine barracks in Beirut, (299 dead)

• April 12, 1984 bombing of restaurant near USAF base in Torrejon, Spain (18 dead)

• September 20, 1984 bomb attack, US Embassy in Beirut (23 dead)

• November 20, 1984 bombing of US Embassy again in Beirut (24 dead)

Hezbollah Attacks against U.S.

• July 14, 1985 hijacking of TWA flight 847 killing US Navy diver Robert Stetham

• February 17, 1988 kidnapping and execution of Lt. Col. William Higgens

• Also involved in kidnapping of Terry Anderson• Kidnapping and the execution of Col. William

Buckley• Involved in the bombing attack of military

complex at Khobar Towers

Hamas

Hamas (Islamic Resistance Movement) based out of Palestine and opposes any peace movement between the US, Israel and the Middle East.

www.hamasonline.com

Unsuccessful Terrorist Attacks

• Millennium plot to bomb L.A. International• Plot to bomb NYC Subways• Plan to blow up 13 U.S. airliners • Assassination of President George Bush• Richard Reid “Shoe Bomber” plot to blow up an airliner

over the Atlantic Ocean• Nuradin Abdi plotted to blow up an Ohio shopping mall

in Ohio for Al-Qaeda

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Domestic Terrorism

Oklahoma City Bombing was the largest act of domestic terrorism in U.S. History

Domestic Terrorism

168 people were killed along with 19 children. 842 injuries were reported, 50% were from flying glass

Domestic Terrorism

Timothy McVeigh once sought treatment at a VA facility but was denied because he didn’t want to use his real name

Domestic Terrorism

Eric Robert Rudolph, Olympic Park bomber, bombed a nightclub, abortion clinic Killed 2 injured 150

Domestic Terrorism

Theodore Kaczynski “Unabomber” , killed 3, wounded 29 over a period of 18 years

Earth Liberation Front• Unknown number of members, no

centralized office location• $100+ Million Dollars damage since

2000• Claimed responsibility of arson in

Bloomington in 2000 and 2002• Suspected in damage to Wal-Mart in

Martinsville, Indiana under construction

Earth Liberation Front

Earth Liberation Front

Earth Liberation Front

Earth Liberation Front

Animal Liberation Front• Unknown number of members, no centralized

office location• Against all animal testing including for

medical purposes• Claimed responsibility of 2002 arson of

Bloomington Poultry Farm Truck• At the end of the 90’s, they were responsible

for $3 million damage to Medical Research Facilities, $500,000 at a VA Facility in AZ

Animal Liberation Front

Animal Liberation Front

Animal Liberation Front

PROTECTING YOURSELF

• Identify potential targets in your area• Know your escape route and practice it

often• Know your best chances on surviving

an armed encounter• Surviving a Hostage Situation• Bomb Threats / Finding a Bomb• Surviving in a collapsed building

KNOW YOUR ESCAPE ROUTE AND PRACTICE IT OFTEN

• Familiarize yourself with all stairways in your area, use them on a regular basis

• Use more than one way to leave your work area (combination of hallways and stairs)

• If possible set up your office for quick escape route

• Know your emergency numbers

KNOW YOUR BEST CHANCES ON SURVIVING AN ARMED ENCOUNTER

Moving targets are more difficult to hit than stationary. Run in a zig-zag pattern

KNOW YOUR BEST CHANCES ON SURVIVING AN ARMED ENCOUNTER

Use of cover and concealment in a shooting

KNOW YOUR BEST CHANCES ON SURVIVING AN ARMED ENCOUNTER

Mental Survival after the incident (seeking professional assistance)

HOSTAGE SITUATIONS

• First few moments are most critical. Remain calm and do not speak unless absolutely necessary

• Do not attempt to escape unless death is imminent and there is a good chance your escape plan will work

• Try to stay low to the ground and avoid sudden movements

• Memorize physical traits of your captors • Do not complain. Avoid being belligerent

Finding a Bomb

Bombs can be manufactured in any way, shape or form. They can also be detonated by any means, such as by remote, motion, light wires, timers etc.

DON’T TOUCH A BOMB!

Finding a Suspected Bomb(VA Policy 07B-07)

• Do not touch anything, leave everything how you find it (lights, doors, etc)

• Call VA Police Emergency at 7777• Assign an employee to prevent anyone

from touching or moving the object• Question area occupants for ownership

SURVIVAL IN A COLLPSED BUILDING

• If you’re not trapped get out as soon as possible and remain calm. Stay low to avoid breathing smoke or fumes

IF YOU ARE TRAPPED:• Stay in your area so you don’t kick up dust.

Cover your nose and mouth with a wet cloth• Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can hear you.

Do not scream or yell as you may inhale toxic dust

*American Rescue Team International

SURVIVAL IN A COLLPSED BUILDING

ARTI recommends not hiding under a desk as most recent studies conclude most victims are crushed underneath their desks

SURVIVAL IN A COLLPSED BUILDING

ARTI also suggests not staying in your vehicle. They recommend immediately outside of your vehicle in a ‘void’ area

Domestic Terrorist and Anti-Government Websites

www.antipsychiatry.org - Opposition of psychiatric care

www.syc.org - Anti Social Workers website

http://indianamilitia.homestead.com - Indiana Militia

www.infoshop.org - Anarchist and Activist News

www.officer.com/hate.html - Police Officer Directory

www.overthrow.com - “Pushing the limits of free speech”

www.stanley2002.org – “Constitutionalist” candidate site

www.patriotnetwork.info - Anti-Government Website

International Terrorist Sites• www.hamasonline.com - Official Hamas Site

• www.hizbollah.org - Official Hezbollah Site

• www.assam.com - Jihad site for Afghanistan, Chechnya and Palestine

• www.jihaduspun.net - features a 30 minute recruiting video from Bin Laden

• www.jehad.net - Postings of statements and readings from Bin Laden

• www.aloswa.com - featured quotations from bin Laden and religious legal rulings justifying the attacks of 9/11 and other assaults on the United States and Israel

Internet Sources for VA Employees

www.va.gov/oig/53/semiann/ - Semi annual reports from the VA Office of Inspector General includes crime at VA’swww.fbi.gov - Online Publications of terrorist reports and other resourceswww.terrorism.com - Independent institute dedicated to the research and prevention of terrorist acts

www.dhs.gov - U.S. Department of Homeland Security

www.state.gov - U.S. State Department

www.cdc.gov/niosh - Center for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

Publications from VA Police(available by e-mail in .pdf format)

Eric.Alli@med.va.gov• Global Patterns of Terrorism, released April 2004

(US State Department)• Responding to a Biological or Chemical Attack

(Bureau of Diplomatic Security)• OSHA Preventing Workplace Violence for Health

Care & Social Service Workers• OSHA Workplace Violence Fact Sheet• VA OIG Semi-Annual Report to Congress• Violence – Occupational Hazards in Hospitals

(Center for Disease Control)

Questions ?