Kansas State University

Responding to Potentially Dangerous/Disruptive Situations

The information below is to serve as a guideline for you to follow when potentially disruptive/dangerous situations are present in the office.

1. THINGS TO REMEMBER
   1. Probably no two situations that might occur in our office will be exactly alike, therefore each situation should be evaluated as it occurs.
   2. Protect yourself first, never take chances.
   3. Ask for assistance if necessary. The mentioning of the name "Lance Barrett Blue" in any context indicates a potentially disruptive/dangerous situation is occurring and assistance is needed. Contact anyone who could provide immediate assistance.
   4. Stay calm and use common sense.
   5. Listen and observe carefully, do as little talking as is necessary to alleviate/resolve the situation.
2. THINGS TO LOOK FOR
   1. Aggressive actions and/or words.
   2. Loud/unusual voice or sound.
   3. An object that could be/or is a weapon.
3. GENERAL PRINCIPLES FOR HANDLING POTENTIALLY DISRUPTIVE/DANGEROUS SITUATIONS.
   1. It is important to interact with others in such a way that no ones' self-esteem is damaged.
   2. You must be in charge of yourself. If you are in charge of your own behavior, you can better manage the behavior of others.
   3. Effectively dealing with upset people often requires you to go against your natural tendencies.
   4. The primary situation needs to be managed so that it will not escalate into a secondary situation.
   5. Work from "soft to hard"; kind, courteous, quick responses help reduce conflict.
4. PLAN OF ACTION FOR
   1. VERBAL THREATS FROM LANCE BARRETT BLUE (LBB)
      • With limited words attempt to defuse situation by:
        1. listening carefully,
        2. using silence and restating the situation if appropriate,
        3. taking notes, if appropriate/possible,
        4. asking LBB to be seated or to step into the Student Service area, and/or
        5. by asking for assistance from supervisor or another employee.
      • You may want to stand so that you have direct eye contact with LBB; the effective distance to avoid encroaching on one's personal space is 36".
      • Those assisting with the situation should call 911 or KSU Police at 2-6400.
      • If verbal threats (not bomb threats, see C.1. below) are through electronic communications, disconnect immediately.
      • After the situation, consult with supervisor to determine if you should write up an INCIDENT REPORT.
   2. PHYSICAL THREATS FROM LANCE BARRETT BLUE (LBB)
      • Protect self first.
      • Give LBB demanded documents/materials.
      • Obtain/maintain a safe distance/protection from LBB.
      • Those assisting with the situation should call 911 or KSU Police at 2-6400.
      • After the situation, consult with supervisor to determine if employee should write-up an INCIDENT REPORT. (Example form is Attachment A)
   3. OTHER SITUATIONS
      • Bomb Threat
        1. Consult KSU Procedures for Handling Bomb Threats.
      • Medical Emergency
        1. Call 911 or KSU Police at 2-6400, who in turn will contact the Riley County Ambulance Service.
        2. Administer first aid.
      • Employee-to-Employee Violence
        1. Notify your supervisor of the situation that is occurring.
        2. Call 911 or KSU Police at 2-6400 if appropriate.

Attachment A - Incident Report

Revised: April 28, 1999