(A) The town is committed to preventing workplace violence and to maintaining a safe work environment. The town has adopted the following guidelines to deal with intimidation, harassment, or other threats of (or actual) violence that may occur during working hours or on its premises.
(B) Employees should be treated with courtesy and respect at all times. Employees are expected to refrain from fighting, “horseplay,” or other conduct that may be dangerous to others. Firearms, weapons, and other dangerous or hazardous devices or substances are prohibited from being brought into the facilities operated by the town without proper authorization.
(C) All threats of (or actual) violence, both direct and indirect, should be reported as soon as possible to a department head, the Town Manager, or the Clerk-Treasurer. This includes threats by employees, as well as threats by residents, customers of town services, vendors, solicitors, or other members of the public. When reporting a threat of violence, employees should be as specific and detailed as possible.
(D) All suspicious individuals or activities should also be reported as soon as possible to a department head, the Town Manager, or the Clerk-Treasurer. Employees should not place themselves in harm’s way. If an employee sees or hears a commotion or disturbance near his or her workstation, they should not try to intercede or see what is happening.
(E) The town will promptly and thoroughly investigate all reports of threats of (or actual) violence and of suspicious individuals or activities. The identity of the individual making a report will be protected as much as is practical. In order to maintain workplace safety and the integrity of its investigation, the town may suspend employees, either with or without pay, pending investigation. Refer to Policy #716—Progressive Discipline (§ 35.159) for additional information.
(F) Anyone determined to be responsible for threats of (or actual) violence or other conduct that is in violation of these guidelines may be subject to prompt disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.
(G) The town encourages employees to bring their disputes or differences with other employees to the attention of their department head before the situation escalates into potential violence. The town is eager to assist in the resolution of employee disputes, and will not discipline employees for raising such concerns.
(Ord. 2020-26, passed 1-12-21)