Policy Text
Aug 20, 2020
CCIITTYY OOFF OOAAKKLLAANNDD
ADMINISTRATIVE INSTRUCTION
SUBJECT/AGENCY Managing Violence in the Workplace
(Human Resources Management) NUMBER 544
REFERENCE ASIS/SHRM WVPI.1 -2011 (as amended) EFFECTIVE Sep 1, 2020
SUPERSEDE AI 544, Dated June 1, 1995
I. PURPOSE
The City of Oakland is committed to providing a safe workplace free from acts and/or threats of violence .
This policy set s guidelines and procedures for responding to and preventing violent/potentially violent
situations in the workplace. Further, this policy establishes a Threat Assessment Team ( “TAT ”) to
promptly investigate and respond appropriately to threats and incidents of violence when they occur. All
reasonable attempts should be made to avoid and deter violent behavior among City employe es and to
protect City employees from acts and/or threats of violence from other City employees or from the public.
II. POLICY
The City of Oakland promote s a safe work environment that is f ree from violence and threats of violence.
No Tolerance for V iolence
The City prohibits employees from making threat s of violence and/or committing acts of violence toward
co-workers or Members of the P ublic on City owned or operated property , while engaged in activities for
the City, or while at a City sponsored e vent. This prohibition includes , but is not limited to, the following
types of behavior:
a. Violence (i.e. intentional physical force or unwanted contact used to cause physical, mental or
emotional harm, such as hitting, fighting, pushing, slapping, punchin g, physical restraint,
confinement , or throwing objects );
b. Threats (i.e. acts , communications , or any other expressions made directly or indirectly that a
reasonable person would perceive as intimidating , abus ive, threaten ing, bull ying, coercive , or fear -
inducing, and/or as a suggestion or threat of violence ;
c. Stalking (i.e. willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follow ing or harass ing another person in a way
that would place a reasonable person in fear for his or her safety, or the safety of his or her immediate family);
d. Possessi ng, transporting, wearing, displaying, or storing firearms , or other Weapons of any kind
unless such possession or us e is a requirement of the job.
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2 e. Dangerous or threatening H orseplay ;
f. Blatant or intentional disregard for the safe ty of others;
g. Commission of a violent felony or m isdemeanor in connection with City business;
h. Willfully destroying City property or the property of others engaged in City business;
i. Intentionally increasing the risk of personal injury to others by damag ing or sabotaging City
property or the property of others engaged in City business ; and
j. Any other act or expression that a reasonable person would perceive as violent or as a threat of
violence.
If an investigation substantiates a violation of any city policy , the City will take appropriate corrective
action, which may involve discipline of the perpetrator, up to and including separation of employment ,
and could result in the filing of criminal charges .
Duty to Report
The City requires employees to re port threats or acts of violence in accordance with this policy. No
adverse action will be taken against anyone who, in good faith and with reasonable belief, makes such a
report , even if the City is unable to substantiate the allegations .
If an investi gation determines that an employee , regardless of seniority or position, had actual knowledge
of a threat or act of violence , and failed to timely report their knowledge or otherwise obstructed the
reasonable resolution of the situation, that employee may also be subject to discipline up to and including
separation of employment .
Anyone who observes an act or threat of violence of a criminal or emergency nature should report such
observations to the Oakland Police Department by calling 911. Reports of a non- emergency nature must
be made to the employee’s supervisor or manager or Director , if none of those individuals are
available/appropriate, then the report must be made directly to a member of the TAT .
III. Definitions
Term Definition
Horseplay Horseplay is rough or rowdy play or pra nks that
occur at the workplace. It can involve “joking
that includes physical contact, playing around, racing, grabbing, foolish vehicle operation, social pressure to participate in unsafe acts, harassment
and unauthor ized contests.
Member of the Public Anyone who is not a City employee ( i.e. visitors,
vendor s, residents , contractor s, suppliers,
merchant s, inspectors, volunteers, etc.).
Threat Assessment Team
(TAT) A team of City employees who are assigned the
respons ibility to evaluate individual incidents; to
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3 develop a plan of action and follow -up; and to
manage incidents when they occur.
Weapon Gun, knife, or other instrument/material designed
or used to inflict bodily harm or destroy property.
IV. PROCEDURE FOR REPORTING THREATS OR INCIDENTS OF VIOLENCE
Employees shall report any coworker or Member of the Public who threatens, attempts to , or commits an
act of violence against them or a co -worker. Employees shall also immediately report any person
suspected of , or known to