Trainings for individuals are offered as part of the Human Resources Supervisory Certificate Program. You can take a class to learn strategies and skills for dealing with disruptive and angry individuals. You will learn about warning signs, your personal characteristics that may interact with an aggressive person, why an attitude of confidence and respect is important, and practical ways to reduce interpersonal tensions. Personalized training sessions are also available for departments or groups. Please contact Kirsten Olson in the Academic and Staff Assistance Program for more information.

Trainings for departments or groups are also available through the Police Department, including security assessments, active shooter presentations, and office safety training. A trained police officer will discuss preventative strategies, your department lay-out, campus resources, and how to interact with aggressive individuals. Please contact Rob Romero in the Police Department for more information.

Tips for Being Prepared at Work

Department Safety Plan

The following are the basic building blocks for the development of a departmental safety plan:

  • Identify the physical security needs of the department
  • Discuss and coordinate emergency strategies with department employees
  • To the extent possible, arrange for limited and authorized access to the affected work area
  • Establish protocol for calling the Police (emergency/non-emergency)
  • Develop prearranged office procedures to alert others to the need for help
  • Develop a procedure to cease normal operations and secure the premises
  • Outline emergency evacuation procedures
  • Evaluate the need for security alarm, panic button, surveillance cameras, security personnel, etc.

Employees should mentally "map out" a personal survival strategy in the event of workplace violence.

Workplace violence incidents will differ greatly and each situation will dictate a different response. The particular circumstances of a given situation will suggest which of, and in which order, the following should occur:

  • Report to the Police by dialing 9-1-1 at the safest opportunity
  • Alert others (signals, codes, alarms)
  • Activate prearranged safety and security plan
  • Secure surroundings, lock doors
  • If appropriate, evacuate employees/leave the area

Source: UC Santa Cruz Human Resources

Security Assessment

For a department security assessment, contact Rob Romero in the UCSB Police Department.

Schedule Training

Pati C. Montojo, Ph.D.
Academic & Staff Assistance Program Manager
Phone: (805) 893-4477
Email: pati.montojo@hr.ucsb.edu  
Office: 3101 SAASB

Matt Bowman
Lieutenant, UCSB Police Department
Phone: (805) 893-3446
Email: matt.bowman@police.ucsb.edu
Office: Public Safety Building 574