Prevention of Violence in the Workplace

Connecticut State Library Policy and Procedure Manual
Subject: Prevention of Violence in the Workplace
Administrative Policy

The State of Connecticut has adopted a statewide zero tolerance policy for workplace violence. The Connecticut State Library fully supports this policy and recognizes the right of its employees to work in a safe and secure environment that is characterized by respect and professionalism.

Procedure and practices

Definitions

1.“Weapon” means any firearm, including a BB gun, whether loaded or unloaded, any knife (excluding a small pen or pocket knife), including a switchblade or other knife having an automatic spring release device, a stiletto, any police baton or nightstick or any martial arts weapon or electronic defense weapon.

2.”Dangerous instrument” means any instrument, article or substance that, under the circumstances, is capable of causing death or serious physical injury.

Prohibited conduct (except as may be required as a condition of employment*)

  • No employee may bring any weapon or dangerous instrument as defined in this policy into any state worksite.
  • No employee may use, attempt to use, or threaten to use any such weapon or dangerous instrument in a state worksite.
  • No employee shall cause or threaten to cause death or physical injury to any individual in a state worksite.
  • No CSL employees shall conduct themselves in a verbally or physically abusive, threatening, intimidating or demeaning manner.

*As a condition of employment, the employees of the Museum of Connecticut History, in the daily course of their assigned responsibilities, may handle museum artifacts that are weapons or dangerous instruments.

Confiscation of Weapons and Dangerous Instruments

Any weapon or dangerous instrument at the worksite will be confiscated and there is no reasonable expectation of privacy with respect to such items in the workplace.

Reporting Procedure

The State Library has a Threat Assessment Team (TAT). The role of the TAT is to identify the potential for violence, do risk assessment, determine preventative measures and respond to emergency situations. Members are: the State Librarian (Chair), Human Resources Specialist, Executive Secretary to the State Librarian, State Library Division Head for Library Development, Museum Administrator, Head of Access Services; Public Records Administrator and the Director of Administrative Services.

  • Emergency Situations: Any employee who believes that there is a serious threat to his/her safety or the safety of others should contact 911 if at an outlying facility, or the Supreme Court Police if at 231 location. The employee must also contact his/her immediate supervisor and the State Librarian at (860) 757-6510 as soon as possible.
  • Non-Emergency Situations: Any employee who feels subjected to, or witnesses, violent, threatening, harassing, or intimidating behavior in the workplace should immediately report the incident or statement to his/her supervisor and the Human Resources Specialist at (860) 785-9477.
  • Supervisors/Managers Responsibilities: Any manager or supervisor who receives a report of violent, threatening, harassing, or intimidating behavior shall immediately contact the Human Resources Specialist at (860) 785-9477 and a TAT member so that the alleged behavior can be evaluated, investigated, and appropriate action can be taken.

Investigation and Corrective Action

  • The State Library will promptly investigate all reports or alleged incidents of violent, threatening, harassing or intimidating behavior.
  • All employees are expected to cooperate fully in all such investigations.
  • The employee(s) suspected of violating this policy may be placed immediately on administrative leave pending the results of the investigation.
  • If the claims of violent, threatening, harassing or intimidating conduct are substantiated, the employee will be dealt with through the appropriate disciplinary process, and may be subject to discipline up to and including dismissal from state service.
  • Where the situation warrants, the State Library will request that the appropriate law enforcement agencies become involved in the investigation of the matter, and CSL may seek prosecution of conduct that violates the law.

Enforcement of the Policy

This policy will be prominently posted at all State Library locations for all employees.

Deborah Schander                                                                                            January 24, 2022

Deborah Schander,  State Librarian                                                              Date