Page 91 - Employee Handbook 1-2015 rev9

 Fighting or other physical altercations
 Possession of firearms, explosives, pocket knives with blades measuring over two
inches, switch blades, and caustic/dangerous chemicals, whether concealed or visible,
on/in City property, except by sworn law enforcement/security personnel and by other
employees as required to perform their job duties. Section 38-10 of the City Code
contains a ban on the possession and/or discharge of firearms and other weapons with
certain exceptions. The exceptions listed in Section 38-10 of the City Code shall also
apply to this policy.
 Use or threat of use of weapon on/in City property, except by sworn law
enforcement/security personnel
 Use of language which would be regarded by a reasonable person as likely to provoke
violence
 Stalking and threatening another person with the intent to place the other person in
reasonable fear of his/her safety
 Making harassing or threatening telephone calls, letters or other forms of written or
electronic communications
 Intentionally damaging or threatening to damage City or employee property

II. Definitions
a. Workplace Violence includes, but is not limited to, intimidation, threats,
physical attack, or property damage.
b. Threat is the expression of intent to cause physical harm as would be
perceived by a reasonable person. An expression constitutes a threat
without regard to whether the party communicating the threat has the
present ability to carry it out, without regard to the overt or subtle nature
of the expression, and without regard to whether the expression is
contingent, conditional or future.
c. Reasonable Person is a person who exercises those qualities of attention,
knowledge, intelligence, and judgment which society requires of its
members.
d. Physical Altercation is unwanted or hostile physical contact such as
hitting, fighting, pushing, shoving, throwing objects, grabbing, holding,
touching, or any unwanted physical contact.
e. Weapons include but are not limited to, firearms, explosives, caustic
chemicals, ammunition, knives, switchblades, or other dangerous or
deadly weapons. Use of other items as weapons (such as a tool or
furniture) is also prohibited.

III. Employee Responsibilities

Any employee who experiences or witnesses any acts, conduct, behavior, or
communication which is in violation of the policy prohibiting Workplace Violence, must
immediately contact his or her supervisor, and/or the Human Resources Department, and if
needed, the Winston-Salem Police Department or other local law enforcement agency.
Employees should not try to handle a violent or potentially violent incident.

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City of Winston-Salem Employee Handbook (January 2015 Revision)