University Guidelines Regarding Violence in the Workplace

Stanford University policy also states that "no adverse action may be taken against any employee for his or her legitimate efforts to resolve workplace problems..." (Admin Guide 2.1.11)

Threats of Violence

• Any individual who experiences or observes a threat of violence should immediately report the incident to his/her supervisor, Human Resources (HR), or the police.
• The supervisor or other person notified calls the appropriate Employee or Management Services Representative as soon as possible.
• Local management should attempt to ensure the safety of other employees.
• Employee & Management Services, along with the supervisor, conducts an investigation of the alleged threat, including interviewing any witnesses.
• Based on the finding of the investigation, appropriate action, disciplinary or otherwise, is taken.

Acts of Violence Not Involving Injuries or Weapons

• The employee should report the incident immediately to his/her supervisor, HR, or the police.
• The supervisor or other person notified calls the appropriate HRM or Employee & Management Services Representative as soon as possible.
• Employee & Management Services coordinates, if appropriate, with the Help Center counselors for intervention, consultation, or referral for clinical evaluation or treatment.
• Employee & Management Services conducts an independent University investigation of the incident and, in conjunction with management, takes appropriate action, disciplinary or otherwise.

Acts of Violence Involving Injuries or Weapons

• Any person observing an incident should call 911 (or 9-911 from a campus phone) first, then, 
  • if at the Medical School call Medical School security (650-723-7222), and 
  • if at SLAC call the SLAC Main Gate Security Officer (650-926-2551), and 
  • then notify local management.
• Local management should attempt to ensure the safety of other employees.
• Management or employees should not intervene unless, in their best judgment, 
  • (a) the situation is too critical to wait for law enforcement officials and, 
  • (b) they believe intervention would be successful.
• Once Medical School security, SLAC Laboratory Protection, or University Police are notified, they coordinate with the appropriate law-enforcement agencies and assist in controlling the situation.
• Separate from any criminal investigation that the police may conduct, Employee & Management Services takes the lead for the University in conducting an independent investigation into the incident and, in conjunction with management, takes appropriate action, disciplinary or otherwise.
• If necessary, the Help Center counselors arrange to work with victims and observers of the incident.