Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan convened a Workplace Violence Roundtable last week at Emmanuel College featuring experts across different fields for over 80 leaders of Fortune 500 companies, hospitals, schools and law enforcement. The roundtable emphasized the importance of implementing and training employees on policies and protocols to identify threats and establish safe work environments.

The event featured remarks from United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts Joshua Levy, Chief Security Officer Fidelity Investments at Fidelity Investments Lisa Quinn, President of Emmanuel College Beth Ross, Ed.D., Founder of The Edward Davis Company and Former Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis, Chief, Special Investigations Unit, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan’s Office Graham Van Epps, Vice President of Security at RWE Clean Energy Keith Jones and Assistant Special Agent in Charge at the Federal Bureau of Investigations Kimberly Milka.

“In the wake of the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, safety concerns in and around the workplace are at an all-time high. Middlesex County is home to some of the largest employers in the state and we are lucky to have partnerships in place that allow us to have these conversations that provide the tools to address the safety needs of those living and working here,” said District Attorney Ryan. “Incidents of threats and acts of violence have lasting trauma on those both directly and indirectly impacted.  Understanding best practices for intervention, prevention and response to potential risks is essential to ensure that the infrastructure is in place to address these incidents.”

Attendees at the roundtable were encouraged to foster a workplace culture where employees are empowered to speak up through established reporting venues if they hear or see something unsettling and where employees are confident that employers will take reports of actual or potential workplace violence seriously, investigate promptly and take appropriate action to address workplace violence situations. 

Attendees were urged to establish a reporting avenue for the following:

1. Increasing performance concerns                         
2. Veiled or direct threats                                           
3. Hypersensitivity to criticism                                   
4. Obsession with anyone or anything                       
5. Change in baseline habits
6. Financial problems    
7. Noticeable changes in “normal” behavior         
8. Homicidal/suicidal comments or threats         
9. Outbursts of anger          
10. Change in personal hygiene

Employers were also encouraged to implement the following best practices:

• Train responders in relevant laws (e.g. harassment, stalking, and The Americans with Disabilities Act).
• Consider placing an actual or suspected wrongdoer on paid administrative leave until the matter is investigated and resolved. Consider extending full pay and benefits for terminated wrongdoers if they pose a risk of future violence.
• Have an established plan for communicating press releases; consider engaging a crisis management professional.

-Middlesex District Attorney’s Office