Archive
Work Place Violence and Employers Responsibilities
There are caution signs surrounding us daily, at work, at social events, and even visiting other businesses. During your daily travels are you cognizant to the threats that surround you? Or are you the person that possesses the mentality; “it will never happen here.” Most of us believe that if an incident did occur, someone in management or another person “somewhere in the company” would be diligent to take appropriate action. Sometimes we need to ask ourselves, do the people that matter know the information that may have become concerning to you?
The thought process outlined in the paragraph above comes straight out of after action reports from the majority of previous violent incidents during investigative stages. There is a fine line between paranoid and a heightened sense of awareness. Learning to be aware will calm you in larger crowds and can actually help you remain calm in strenuous events. Become alert and listen to your sixth sense.
Walking through the mall provides opportunities for unfortunate and at times violent encounters, yet we still travel and shop at these types of places with our families. It is important to maintain this mentality for daily survival purely from a sane perspective.
Today’s post simply points out that you cannot just bury your head in the sand believing that it will never happen to you. Instead, be aware and alert, know your surroundings and exits and have a good time. Stay relaxed but not asleep in the crowd. Have a plan for your family should an incident occur. Is your phone pre-programed with 911? Does your family know how to accurately report what is going on should an incident occur?
If an incident does occur, remember to follow the basic guidelines and principles (found in earlier posts) that will increase your survival rate exponentially.
Feel free to contact me with any questions,
Chris Grollnek MS/AJS
Master of Science
Administration of Justice and Security
Please check back weekly for updates at www.chrisgrollnek.com or for formal training in active shooter prevention and awareness check out:
www.countermeasureconsulting.com
All persons within an organization have the right to remain in a safe work environment. Organizations have a legal and morale obligation to ensure best practices are followed through appropriate training. Countermeasure Consulting, LLC provides active shooter specific training and education practices can make this possible and mandates are found at: OSHA regulation 29 U.S.C. 654, § 5, it states:
Duties:
- (a) Each employer – (1) shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees; (2) shall comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under this Act.
- (b) Each employee shall comply with occupational safety and health standards and all rules, regulations, and orders issued pursuant to this Act, which are applicable to his own actions and conduct.
Failure Event Statistics / Documented Active Shooter Incidents
The following Failure Event Statistics have been compiled from a number of notable sources including:
Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Corporate Security:
According to the Centers for Disease Control, citing Bureau of Labor statistics, the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI):
- (CFOI) reported 11,613 workplace homicide victims between 1992 and 2006.
- 2009 (CFOI) statistics indicate that 12% of fatal work injuries were a result of homicide.
- According to (CFOI) statistics, the “assaults and violent acts” category was the only type of event to see an increase in fatal work injuries from 2008 to 2009.
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- In 2008 there were 30 multiple-fatality workplace homicide incidents. On average, about two people died in each of these incidents.
- A breakdown of the 2008 statistics shows that:
◦ 1. Shootings accounted for 80% of all homicides. 2. Co-workers and former co-workers were the assailants in 12% of the shootings. 3. Robbers were the assailants in 40% of the shootings. 4. Nearly half of the shootings occurred in public buildings, thereby endangering bystanders.
According to NIOSH:
- “Acts of violence such as physical assaults or threatening behaviors represent a significant health and safety risk to workers. The Bureau of Justice Statistics indicates that around 1.7 million workers in the United States are the victims of workplace assaults, and that homicide is now the fourth leading cause of death while on the job.” (NIOSH).
According to the FBI report “Workplace Violence-Issues in Response,” “In general, the violent acts occur as workers are performing their normal tasks.”
Recent Incidents:
- Orlando, Florida -November 2009 – A suspect was arraigned on first-degree murder charges in the killing of one and the wounding of five others at a business where he once worked. - Former Employee
- Albuquerque, New Mexico-July 2010 – Three were killed (including the shooter) and four others were wounded by a man who was angry over a custody dispute. - Domestic Dispute
- St. Louis, Missouri-January 2010 – Four killed, 5 wounded -manufacturing plant - Current Employee
- Kennesaw, Georgia-January 2010 – Two killed, two injured-truck rental office - Former Employee
- Grand Rapids, Michigan-January 2011 – A woman destroys a towing office and assaults employees over a bill she received. Cost in damage was several thousand dollars. - Disgruntled Client
School Security:
From Charles J. Whitman atop the University of Texas Tower, to Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold marching into Columbine High School to Seung-Hui Cho chaining a lecture hall’s doors shut before opening fire at Virginia Tech, school shootings have provided some of the most memorably grim scenes of American life in recent decades (nytimes.com).
- Eight percent of students in grades 9-12 reported being threatened or injured with a weapon, such as a gun, knife, or club, on school property in 2009.
- In 2009, 31 percent of students in grades 9-12 reported they had been in a physical fight at least one time during the previous 12 months anywhere, and 11 percent said they had been in a fight on school property during the previous 12 months.
- In 2008, students ages 12 to 18 were victims of about 1.2 million nonfatal crimes (theft plus violent crime) at school, compared to about 1 million nonfatal crimes away from school.
- During the 2007-08 school year, 85 percent of public schools recorded that one or more incidents of crime had taken place at school, amounting to an estimated 2.0 million crimes. (Bureau of Justice Statistics)
According to the National Center for Education Statistics:
- In 2008, data from the National Crime Victimization Survey showed that more crimes were committed against students ages 12 to 18 at school than away from school. Students ages 12 to 18 experienced about 1.2 million nonfatal crimes (theft-plus violent crime) at school, compared to about 1 million nonfatal crimes away from school.
- 7.7% of students in grades 9-12 reported “being threatened or injured with a weapon on school property at least one time during the previous 12 months” -2009
Church Security:
Church Shootings Frances Putnam June 05, 2006
When the congregation of Wedgwood Baptist church, in Texas, sat down in preparation for evening services the night of Sept 15, 1999, quite likely the last thing running through anyone’s mind was that a man would enter the building and shoot at least 45 bullets from a nine-millimeter semi-automatic handgun inside the sanctuary before turning the weapon on himself.
Probably none of the 7 persons shot and killed thought to himself earlier that day, “Today is the last day of my earthly life.”
Most likely at least one of the 7 had some qualm, some tremor of unearthly premonition that something would go very wrong that day. If any did, they went to church in spite of it.
The transcript of a televised Bob Abernathy program from the time reads, in part, “As 150 young people celebrated to the pulse of a Christian rock band, Larry Ashbrook, a 47-year-old man dressed in black and smoking a cigarette walked into the back of the church and began shooting. Seven people were fatally wounded, and then the gunman shot himself” (Americanchronicle.com, June 5, 2006).
List of recent church shootings:
- February 14, 2010-Richmond, California – New Gethsemane Church of God in Christ – three gunmen open fire during a service. Two members are wounded-the three gunmen flee the scene. - (ABC Local News)
- March 8, 2009-Maryville, Illinois-First Baptist Church – Pastor Fred Winters is killed by point-blank gunshot during a service-several members are injured while attempting to subdue the attacker. - (CBS News)
- July 27, 2008-Knoxville, Tennessee-Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist – two people are killed, six wounded during a children’s musical. - (CBS News)
- December 9, 2007-Denver and Colorado Springs, Colorado – 4 people are killed and at least three are wounded-at two different sites by the same gunman-the gunman is shot and ultimately kills himself. - (DenverPost.com)
- August 12, 2007-Neosho, Missouri-First Congregational Church – 3 people are killed, five others are wounded during a Sunday service. He holds 25-50 people hostage until hostage negotiators spoke with the gunman-police apprehended him. - (CNN)
- May 21, 2006-Baton Rouge, Louisiana – The Ministry of Jesus Christ Church – 4 are killed, 1 seriously wounded during a Sunday service; another is abducted and murdered elsewhere. - (CBS News)
- February 26, 2006-Detroit, Michigan – Zion Hope Missionary Baptist Church – 2 are killed during a Sunday service-the shooter later kills himself. - (USAToday).
- March 14, 2005-Brookfield, Wisconsin – Living Church of God – During a Sunday service, 7 are killed + the shooter, 4 others are wounded. - (CBS News)
Military Security:
Texas Insider Report: Washington D.C. – All military installation law enforcement personnel would receive Active Shooter Training under a bipartisan measure introduced in the House today by Congressman John Carter (R-TX31) and Lloyd Doggett (D-TX). The Military Active Shooter Training Act of 2011, HR 826, would require all military and civilian law enforcement personnel providing security on U.S. military installations to participate in Active Shooter training courses. Carter, who represents the Fort Hood area, first introduced the proposal last year as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act to ensure Department of Defense compliance with recommendations from the official review of the November 4, 2009 Fort Hood shootings that left 14 dead and 30 wounded (TexasInsider.org).
Thank you again for reading, come back often,
Christopher Grollnek
Definition of a Critical Incident and Emergency Management
A critical incident is an event that can develop from a normal situation becoming more tasking then the initial responders have the capabilities to deal with immediately. There are times that incident can turn to the critical stage after balancing between, standard emergency and response, to active engagement to preserve the priorities of life. Other examples of critical incidents include, natural, man-made, civil disorder, and any and all incidents that put lives in jeopardy with a higher than normal probability of serious bodily injury or loss of life. In these types of situations, extraordinary measures, which require extraordinary actions due to exigent circumstances, dictate the level of force to mitigate the threat.
An active-shooter is the most common and discussed incident relative to emergency management at present within the conversations and planning phases of police and EMS operations. An active shooter is “loosely” defined as a person with a firearm attempting to inflict as many casualties as possible in a single event. The attack phase of an active-shooter incident can be coordinated to archive multiple events simultaneously or a destructive attempt to kill or maim as many victims as possible. From a responder phase, the goal of resolving the critical incident is swift and deliberate actions up to and including the removal of the threat by most means possible. The Columbine High School shooting is more than likely the most notable event to reference. The police were not prepared for the event and there was little if any protocol in place to have the “ACTUAL” first responders tries to stop the threat without the assistance of a tactical unit. Now patrol officers are trained to arrive in teams and do all that is possible to eliminate the threat immediately once three of four officers arrive on scene, they are trained in response techniques. The Virginia Tech shooting is an example of “better” (not great) pre-planning that Columbine as although there was a massive loss of life, the incident was handled to the best of the officers abilities and resources at the time.
These are the three elements of an active shooter:
1. An Incident that threatens to take lives or actually takes lives
2. Causes substantial risk to the property or well being of a portion or all of a community
3. Requires the commitment of resources beyond those normally available
Thanks for reading,
Christopher Grollnek
Duty to Train
Countermeasure Consulting Group maintains that the majority of the following incidents and the resulting statistics are completely preventable. Not only are they often preventable, employers have a legal obligation to protect employees from workplace violence. According to the FBI report entitled “Workplace Violence-Issues in Response”, “Businesses are under a variety of legal obligations to safeguard their employees’ well-being and security.” These obligations stem from Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) requirements and even Civil Rights law requirements. The following statistical data clearly demonstrates that violence can happen anywhere at any time. Countermeasure Consulting Group is prepared to provide practical solutions to common workplace security issues.
For a complete list of incidents referenced, please visit http://www.countermeasureconsulting.com/eventstatistics/?mn=1
As always, thank you for reading…
Chris Grollnek
Ethics and Torture – an Abstract
The mere mention of the word “torture” elicits a vast array of possible responses. People of diverse backgrounds may view torture as a needed tool to justify an end where others may fear the concept altogether. People from different socioeconomic backgrounds may have an entirely different view of torture and the purpose behind the act itself depending on their education. If anything, the topic is thought provoking by any group discussing the subject. Torture has most recently been justified as an information-gathering tool and intelligence verification act. Representing the global position on human rights is hard to maintain when the country advocating those rights are the first to violate them. The United Nations has taken a zero tolerance position on torture and considers them equal to war crimes. The attempt to justify torture within four basic ethical theories is possible but not probable.
Just some thoughts on why Civil Rights are so important… I have an entire paper on the topic if you are interested in reading, please email me and ask… chris@chrisgrollnek.com
This point paper by Christopher Grollnek concludes by:
Defining torture is different from committing torture. The act of committing torture is left to the ethical values and principles of a person charged with the commission of the act. The observation of general terms and theories within this essay allow the reader to grasp the reality of torture. From a legal definition to the global ban of its use, a society cannot come to the conclusion torture would be ethical from any standard or for any purpose. When America sets the standard for civil rights and ethical treatment of others, sidestepping the commitment represents weakness. Enemies of the state and regions will capitalize on these weaknesses in an attempt to use them against America and allies. America continues to set a positive example and must continue to do so by advocating alternate methods of information gathering.
There is an absolute parallel to be drawn from Civil Rights and wrongful arrests in relation to acts of torture for information gathering. Many could and generally do argue that corrosion and long interviews eliciting responses that may not be the absolute facts could circle back to acts of torture. This subject draws so many opinions, I am actually excited to hear yours. What if someone possessed information on an active shooter event yet to take place and the only way to ensure preservation of life would be torturing the subject for the information. Does that change the value of the act or can we categorize torture into justifiable means?
Let me hear your thoughts…
Chris Grollnek
http://www.countermeasureconsulting.com
chrisgrollnek.wordpress.com
Sample of Consulting Contract Report Intro Summary to Customer (released with their permission and redacted at their request)
The following summary came from a physical and internet security assessment completed by CGPGMG, LLC and Countermeasure Consulting Group, LLC a few weeks ago at no cost to the business because of serious mitigating factors. One, the company has major threats daily and second, employees were not feeling safe at work. The company also believed there was an employee working for the competition and as it turns out after several interviews, they were correct. The company is in transition and I have redacted all identifiable information from this summary as an example of what CGPGMG, LLC (www.cgpgmg.com) and Countermeasure Consulting Group (www.countermeasureconsulting.com) can achieve on a short turn around while working in conjunction with each other.
Here is a portion of the opening summary located within the presidents and directors report.
“The risk assessment outlined demonstrates probable vulnerabilities that the director of security has outlined. The company has positioned itself as the leader in software technology and other high-profile crime mapping solutions. Determining the threats is critical to ensure appropriate security measures are in place. These technologies are proprietary to the company and are on the verge of conquering this portion of the industry. The potential for hackers increases with such sensitive software developed. Addressing every security threat in this report is not possible. Instead, security risks associated with physical intrusion and Internet hacking assessments are analyzed. Identifying and evaluating comprehensive threats start at both the macro and micro levels. Including subject matter experts in physical and technical roles assist in the correct security solution. The SWOT and STEEP analyses represent their respective qualities and provide threat estimates. Scenario thinking values are addressed and explained. These three evaluation procedures will benefit the company’s assessment ensuring all angles are analyzed.” – Company Information Withheld and Redacted
For more information from the 15 page report of documented suggestions and revisions, individual requests can be met on a case by case basis. The training conducted and summary of future recommendations will not be released because of its proprietary status as the company has taken corrective action and asked to keep this portion of their report private. If you are interested in an assessment or training quote, please contact Chris Grollnek at patti@cgpgmg.com for more information.
Thank you for reading the scope of work offered by these two corporations created to serve your needs in several facets of your unique operational needs.
A list of services offered include:
CGPGMG, LLC Consulting Services
I. Interview and Interrogations
II. Consulting Legal Teams in Police Related Strategies
III. Security and Risk Management Consulting
Respectfully,
Patti Grollnek
Thoughts About Security and Risk Management Consulting – Who to Hire?
As a requirement dictated by Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) requirements and Civil law, the growing number of companies purporting to provide security and risk management training is increasing with each violent workplace incident. The solution to selecting a qualified company for this delicate task is expertise in the field and qualified individuals with sterling reputations. CGPGMG, LLC consults in the area of work place defense strategies and training for safety to mitigate the risk and reduce liability. Topics include critical incident response of employees to focus on survival and not engaging violent offenders. Workplace violence awareness, corporate security, investigations, and risk management. CGPGMG, LLC prides itself on their expertise in civilian based response to active shooters mitigating risk unmet by other training providers.
CGPGMG, LLC maintains that the majority of the following incidents and the resulting statistics are completely preventable. Not only are they often preventable, employers have a legal obligation to protect employees from workplace violence. According to the FBI report entitled “Workplace Violence-Issues in Response”, “Businesses are under a variety of legal obligations to safeguard their employees’ well-being and security.” These obligations stem from (OSHA) requirements as well as Civil Rights law requirements. The following statistical data clearly demonstrates that violence can happen anywhere at any time.
The following Failure Event Statistics have been compiled from a number of notable sources illustrating the demand for this unique training unmet in today’s marketplace.
Violent Incidents in the Corporate Environment
According to the FBI report “Workplace Violence-Issues in Response,” “In general, the violent acts occur as workers are performing their normal tasks.”
Recent Incidents:
• Orlando, Florida -November 2009 – A suspect was arraigned on first-degree murder charges in the killing of one and the wounding of five others at a business where he once worked.
- Former Employee
• Albuquerque, New Mexico-July 2010 – Three were killed (including the shooter) and four others were wounded by a man who was angry over a custody dispute.
- Domestic Dispute
• St. Louis, Missouri-January 2010 – Four killed, 5 wounded -manufacturing plant
- Current Employee
• Kennesaw, Georgia-January 2010 – Two killed, two injured-truck rental office
- Former Employee
• Grand Rapids, Michigan-January 2011 – A woman destroys a towing office and assaults employees over a bill she received. Cost in damage was several thousand dollars.
- Disgruntled Client
CGPGMG, LLC is prepared to provide practical solutions to common workplace security issues.
Case Examples
According to the Centers for Disease Control, citing Bureau of Labor statistics, the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI):
• (CFOI) reported 11,613 workplace homicide victims between 1992 and 2006.
• 2009 (CFOI) statistics indicate that 12% of fatal work injuries were a result of homicide.
• According to (CFOI) statistics, the “assaults and violent acts” category was the only type of event to see an increase in fatal work injuries from 2008 to 2009.
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics:
• In 2008 there were 30 multiple-fatality workplace homicide incidents. On average, about two people died in each of these incidents.
• A breakdown of the 2008 statistics shows that:
◦ 1. Shootings accounted for 80% of all homicides.
2. Co-workers and former co-workers were the assailants in 12% of the shootings.
3. Robbers were the assailants in 40% of the shootings.
4. Nearly half of the shootings occurred in public buildings, thereby endangering bystanders.
According to NIOSH:
“Acts of violence such as physical assaults or threatening behaviors represent a significant health and safety risk to workers. The Bureau of Justice Statistics indicates that around 1.7 million workers in the United States are the victims of workplace assaults, and that homicide is now the fourth leading cause of death while on the job.” (NIOSH).
*The following references were used to compile these facts:
• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Security and Risk Management Consulting
The growing number of companies purporting to provide security and risk management training is increasing with each work place violent incident. The secret to selecting the correct company for this delicate task is expertise in the field and qualified individuals with sterling reputations. Chris Grollnek consults in the area of work place defense strategies and training for safety to mitigate the risk and reduce liability. Topics include critical incident response of employees to focus on survival and not engaging violent offenders. Workplace violence awareness, corporate security, investigations, and risk management. Chris Grollnek is recognized as a top security consultant who has testified before sub committees of the Senate Ways and Means Committee in regards to the needs of counterterrorism training in 2002. Chris Grollnek has earned numerous military and police certifications and is an expert in his field focusing those talents in the three dynamic areas of CGPGMG, LLC. Chris is the former Secretary of the International Association of Undercover Officers, Inc. and maintains memberships in the National Tactical Police Officers Association, Texas Tactical Police Officers Association, and the Texas Municipal Police Association.
Check back soon for the latest update…
Chris Grollnek
Are You Prepared to Answer the Following Questions Regarding Active Shooter Events at Your Place of Business?
Is your boss?
Think of these questions and check back for answers to each one at a time. At Countermeasure Consulting, we follow a very structured flow chart for processes and planning to assist in mitigating an near impossible risk management strategy. With years of experience and having been involved in three of these types of incidents, our staff is able to bring a unique perspective to your preparation and planning.
Countermeasure Consulting Work Flow and Policy Review Steps
Take a minute and see if you can answer the following question(s).
What Is An Active-Shooter Event?
Active Shooter Statistics Pie Chart
Thank you for reading and check back soon for a few answers. A future video series will be available to download one module at a time a very reasonable price to help you and your co-workers feel safer and more secure.
Chris Grollnek
How to Respond in an Active Shooter Scenario
Chris Grollnek, a security consultant certified in active shooter training, offers basic advice on how to mentally prepare yourself for this increasingly common phenomena. To learn more about Chris Grollnek, his consulting services, and training opportunities for active shooter incidents, reference www.chrisgrollnek.com.
An active shooter is an individual who uses deadly physical force to harm others in a populated or confined area, and often with no regard for his own personal safety. These situations arise quickly and unexpectedly, and are usually over within 15 minutes. In order to increase your own personal preparedness for this type of incident, stay aware of your surroundings, make note of exits, and tune in to signs of possible danger.
These are the best possible actions to take in response to a shooter in your area:
1. Evacuate. If possible, leave the situation and call law enforcement for help once in a safe location.
2. Hide. If you cannot leave the premises, try to stay out of the shooter’s view without trapping yourself.
3. If necessary, try to incapacitate the shooter. As a last resort, trying to disarm the shooter may be the only option left. Act aggressively and commit to your actions to improve your chances.
Chris Grollnek's Wordpress Blog 