(A) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
INTIMIDATION. Frightening or coercing by threat; or expressions of hatred, contempt, disgrace or ridicule.
RUDE OR OFFENSIVE TOUCHING. Physical aggression or contact, such as hitting, fighting, pushing, restraining or throwing objects.
THREAT. Words or actions, whether direct or implied, which create a reasonable fear of physical or mental harm or other violation of rights.
VIOLENCE. Unwarranted assaultive or coercive behaviors, including threats, rude or offensive touching, intimidation, harassment, property damage, sabotage, or any violation of a protective order. For purposes of this policy, the concept of violence includes behavior which is actual, attempted or threatened.
(B) The town hereby maintains a policy of zero tolerance for any acts of violence. Violations of this policy may lead to disciplinary actions up to and including dismissal. All town employees should notify the President of the Town Council of any violence which they have witnessed, been subject to or otherwise been made aware. The President of the Town Council shall notify all other members of the Town Council and shall schedule an executive session to address this matter. Even if actual violence has not occurred, employees should also report any behavior they have witnessed which they regard as violent, when the behavior is work related, might be connected to a town controlled site or is connection to town employment. Employees are responsible for making this report regardless of the relationship between the individual who initiated the violence and the person or persons who were the victims of the violence.
(C) Employees are admonished that words spoken in jest or idle talk may be reasonably perceived by others as threatening.
(D) Employees who may be involved in relationships or situations which are violent or potentially violent and/or employees who are the recipients of threats, are strongly encouraged to report same.
(E) The town will take affirmative steps to foster a safe work environment and prevent workplace violence. Preventive efforts include, but are not limited to, informing the employees of this policy, instructing employees regarding the dangers of workplace violence and communicating the sanctions imposed for violating this policy.
(F) When an incident of violent behavior is reported to the town, the town will assess and investigate the incident and determine the appropriate action to be taken. In critical incidents in which a serious threat of injury occurs and emergency response is required, the police must be notified immediately.
(G) If an employee chooses to notify management of the existence of a protective order, the town shall make efforts to maintain and enforce the protective order in the workplace by notifying the town of the identity of the person against whom the protective order is issued and, where possible, providing the town with a photograph of such person.
(H) Employees are to be sensitive and, to the extent practicable, protect the privacy of victims of violence.
(I) The town will not in any way retaliate against an individual who, in good faith, files a complaint under this policy, nor permit any supervisor, officer or employee to do so. Retaliation is a serious violation of this policy and should be reported immediately. Any person found to have engaged in misconduct constituting retaliation against another person for the good faith reporting of violence in the workplace may be disciplined, up to and including dismissal.
(J) All Town Council members shall also refrain any actions of violence, threat of violence, rude or offensive touching and intimidate against any town employee. A report shall be made to the President of the Town Council for actions in violation of this policy on the part of any Town Council member other than the President. In the event that the President of the Town Council violates this policy, a report as to their violation of the policy shall be made to either the Vice President of the Town Council or to the Town Attorney. Actions will be taken to determine which actions to pursue against the Town Council member who violated this policy.
(Res. 2014-02, passed 11-10-2014)