Signs of Violence in a Co-Worker
Signs of potential violence in an employee, co-worker, former employee, or friend of employee:
• verbal threat to hurt or kill someone
• statements about “getting even” or “making someone pay”
• talking about news coverage of violent behavior, “I can understand why that guy blew everyone away at the Post Office. They probably deserved it”
• following, stalking
• romantically obsessed with someone. For example: unwanted phone calls, letters or gifts
• angry, confrontational behaviors
• fights or argues easily; unpredictable mood swings
• drug or alcohol abuse
• delusional thinking; “God or aliens speak to me”
• belligerence toward customers, managers or coworkers
• thinks others are “out to get him,” acts like a victim
• obsession with “getting even” with a supervisor
• unexplained negative change in performance
• unexplained increase in absenteeism
• noticeable decrease in attention to appearance and hygiene
• obsession with work; seems to have no outside interests or friends
• loner – doesn’t socialize with other employees, excludes himself
• resistance and/or over-reaction to changes in procedures and policies
• noticeably unstable emotional responses
• inappropriate comments to coworkers and supervisors about other employees or situations
• has weapons, access to weapons
• has had special training in the use of weapons (military or security)
• depression / withdrawal
• frequent vague physical complaints
• suicidal comments about “putting things in order” and impact on others in case of his permanent departure
• large withdrawals from or closing an account in company’s credit union