Workplace Violence Prevention Program
Mission
The University of Texas Police at Houston (UT Police) is responsible for the operational stewardship of the Workplace Violence Prevention Program (WVPP) fostering a culture of safety by promoting awareness, prevention, intervention, and mitigation of workplace violence across our campus community. We are committed to protecting our patients, employees, and community through proactive measures that uphold our core value of Safety and ensure a physically and psychologically secure environment.
Vision
Our vision is to create a violence-free workplace where every individual feels safe, respected, and supported. Through continued education, collaboration, and compliance with state and national standards, UT Police aims to be a leader in workplace violence prevention in the health care industry.
Strategy Statement
To achieve this mission and vision, UT Police has implemented a comprehensive and compliant Workplace Violence Prevention Program aligned with Texas Senate Bill 240 and The Joint Commission's standards. This includes identifying and responding to early warning signs, providing training and resources to staff, enforcing zero-tolerance policies for threatening behavior, and fostering a culture of accountability and care. Through these strategic initiatives, we aim to prevent violence and maintain the highest standard of safety across our campus community. The program will continue to evolve and adapt to emerging risks and industry best practices to ensure the highest standard of safety across our campus community.
Types of Workplace Violence
Type I - Criminal Intent: The offender most often has no legitimate business on property. This violence is usually incidental to another crime such as robbery or trespassing.
Type II - Customer/Employee: Involves violence perpetrated by customers, clients, patients, or other individuals who have legitimate affiliation with the business often including verbal abuse, threatening behavior, and physical assaults. Type II violence is the most common in health care settings.
Type III - Employee/Employee: Type III violence between coworkers includes bullying, harassment, intimidation, and frequently manifests as verbal and emotional abuse that is unfair, offensive, vindictive, and/or humiliating.
Type IV - Personal relationships: Involves an individual with a personal relationship with an employee, often a partner or former partner, who engages in violent or threatening behavior at the workplace. This type of violence is often rooted in domestic or intimate partner violence and may include behaviors like stalking, harassment, or physical assault.
Type V - Ideological Violence: Includes suicidal thoughts, ideations, or actions taken by an employee or individual on-site. Incidents of ideological violence may also be directed at an organization, employees, property, and motivated by or relating to a particular set of ideas or beliefs.
Recognizing Behaviors of Concern
Early recognition of warning signs can prevent escalation. Key indicators include:
- Unusual or sudden changes in behavior or patterns
- Extreme reactions to loss or traumatic event
- Preoccupation with weapons, violent events, or persons who have engaged in violence acts
- Uncharacteristically poor work performance
- References to harming other or planning a violent or destructive event
- Evidence of depression, hopelessness, or suicidal thoughts
- Inappropriate behavior such as prolonged irritability, angry outbursts, or intense reactions
Takeaway: Research shows that concerning behaviors often come with warning signs that may indicate a risk of escalation. When these signs are recognized and reported to the appropriate authorities, it may help prevent acts of violence within the institution.
Reporting Workplace Violence
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. For on-campus incidents, contact UT Police at 713-792-2890. To report workplace violence or concerning behaviors, call 2-STOP (713-792-7867). Confidentiality is maintained.
Interested in learning more about the Workplace Violence Prevention Program, Policy, or Trainings offered? Contact the Workplace Violence Prevention program team to learn more at [email protected]