Personal Threat (Code Black)

These guidelines are intended to provide information for staff, students and contractors in the event of a Personal Threat (eg verbal abuse, threat, assault or injury).

It should be noted that a personal threat may result in a lock-down of an area, or section of the University depending on the nature of the threat.

It is recognised that a Personal Threat and/or Lock-down is possible. The University has developed policies and guidelines to assist manage potential risks and minimise the impact.

Risk Management (AS/NZS 4360)

Hazard Identification
A Source of potential harm or a situation with a potential to cause loss.
Unpredictable behaviour Inability to gain assistance Remote location Hit by an object Weapon Stress factors

Risk Assessment
Likelihood	Consequences
	Negligible Injury	First Aid Injury	Minor Injury	Major Injury	Fatality
Very Likely	High	High	Extreme	Extreme	Extreme
Likely	Moderate	High	High	Extreme	Extreme
Possible	Low	Moderate	High	Extreme	Extreme
Unlikely	Low	Low	Moderate	High	Extreme
Highly Unlikely	Low	Low	Moderate	High	High

Risk Controls

Implementation of policies, standards, procedures and physical changes to eliminate or minimize adverse risks

Engineering

Duress alarms installed in some areas
Security access/lock down system (by building or sector) installed in some areas

Administration:

Procedures for Emergency Control Organisation (Emergency Evacuation Plan) and Security (Emergency Management Plan)
Procedures for staff (Emergency Chart/Flipchart)
Training : Competency based training for Chief Wardens and Deputy Chief Wardens which includes personal threat

Reducing the Risk of Violence at Work

Be aware of and report to other staff, security and management immediately if a person’s behaviour is threatening and you feel at risk
Gain assistance or ensure you have back-up if trying to de-escalate the situation (eg if the violence has not occurred, but indications suggest that there is potential for it to occur)
Alert other staff who may come into contact with the person, so they are not entering an unsafe environment
If you are moving into an area where you think an intruder may have gained access, do not investigate on your own.

Procedures - Personal Threat

If a person’s behaviour is threatening and out of control:

Do not place yourself at risk
Obey the offender’s instruction
Attempt to de-escalate the situation – avoid getting into an argument
Keep a safe distance between yourself and the offender
Take note of exits or other possible escape routes and try to get as close as possible
Call for back-up as soon as possible
Observe continuously any objects touched by the offender and their physical appearance
Record description of offender, what was said, touched etc, as soon as possible (Complete personal threat checklist- see forms/checklists)
Activate the duress system (if installed)
Contact the Security Office
Contact the Police if a weapon is involved
Report the incident to the Chief Warden/Manager
Isolate the area until Security/Police arrive
Provide assistance as required

If you are witnessing a personal threat :

Do not escalate the situation
Discreetly contact Security/Police as soon as possible.
(eg An email to alert another staff member or security may be an option)
If available, activate the duress system
Do not place yourself at risk
Commence recording the offender’s appearance, objects touched etc to assist in the investigation.

Procedures - External Lock Down

There may be an external situation which requires the lock-down of one or more buildings by Security.

Lockdown is designed to protect occupants from an external threat by excluding or isolating the threat (eg offender with a gun). Security will assess the risk and scope of the lock-down.

If this occurs, the Warden network will advise you either via the PA system or in person of the situation and what is required.
Remember every scenario will be different.
The Police will generally brief University Security first.

Follow the directions of the Warden, Chief Warden, Security or Police
Ensure doors in your area are not chocked open
Secure your own area
Do not leave the building until gaining approval from the Warden/Chief Warden or Security or until formally given the “All Clear”. You may be placing yourself at risk or compromising the safety of other occupants by opening external doors.

The Warden network will provide up-dates to occupants as new information becomes available from Security/Police.

This information may be provided by email, phone, in person or via PA (if installed).

Procedures - Civil Disorder

Please remember every scenario will be different.
Civil disorder may include industrial unrest, an emotional international situation or an unpopular political decision which leads to a public demonstration.

If you become aware of a civil disorder:

immediately report the location and details to Security as quickly as possible or contact the Police
alert your Chief Warden/Warden

Your Chief Warden network in consultation with the Police/Security will initiate action to :

restrict access to and egress from the building
confine presence to the ground floor; and
restrict contact between the demonstrators and the building occupants

Occupants can provide assistance by :

locking up offices, securing records/files/property as applicable, following the directions of Security/Emergency Services/Warden network.

Procedure for Hold Up

The person(s) may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol when they confront staff. They may be desperate. Their behaviour may be unpredictable.
They may be nervous or even scared.

The initial actions you take are vital.

Try to calm the offender and comply with their request.
Try to let another staff member know that there is a problem.
DO NOT however, take any risks doing this.
Give the offender what they want.
Try to obtain a full description of the person and write these details down as soon as possible.
If you are witnessing an incident start recording your observations as soon as possible.
Contact the Police, Security and Management as soon as it is safe to do so.