Learning how to react during a dangerous situation
 
Sgt. Dan Hanlon and Officer Tony Fus of the New Berlin Police Department brought their very important discussion of workplace violence to our meeting on March 11.
 
Some of these incidents escalate into active-shooter events (ASEs), so that was the focus of their presentation. Disgruntled former employees and employees who are about to be fired can be cause for concern. Hanlon recommends calling the police department if you are anxious about firing an employee. An officer will stand by and even escort the person out if needed.
 
Statistics show that 37% of the incidents occur in businesses, 34% in schools, and 17% in public places such as restaurants and theaters; the remainder are in assorted locations. "It's a scary world we live in," Hanlon says. "Even if you're retired, you're not immune to workplace violence." You could be shopping or dining, for example, and encounter a situation.
 
One common element in these incidents is prescription drugs, particularly Zoloft, Luvox and Prozac. Most people under care are responsible citizens, Hanlon says, but "there's a segment of society that can't handle these meds."
 
Sixty percent of ASEs involve a gun, and in 74% of the cases, the person entered the business through the front door. Hanlon says that many firms issue handheld radios so employees can stay in touch. "Radios are really central for keeping you safe," adding that the PA system sometimes fails.
 
What do you do if you find yourself in an active-shooter situation? Remember this: Run, Hide, Fight. Adapted from the video of the same name, these steps could literally save your life.
 
Run - Get out if you can. Encourage others to leave, but don't let them slow you down. Once outside, discourage anyone nearby from entering the premises. Don't hang around, though. Get as far away as possible.
 
Hide - If you can't escape safely, find as secure a hiding place as possible. Lock the door and/or block it with a desk or other heavy object. Turn off the lights and silence your phone. If you can't get to such a room, conceal yourself behind a large object. Do your best to remain calm.
 
Fight - A last resort. Use anything that can be a weapon - fire extinguisher, chair, object on your desk, your fists and feet. Commit to taking down the assailant.
 
Remember that a disgruntled person often gives off clues. Watch for changes in behavior, and take note of dangerous comments the person is making. Always call the police if you see a suspicious person. Sometimes, Hanlon says, the result is disorderly conduct tickets. But you may have prevented an issue from escalating.
 
Hanlon and Fus offer this presentation free to any New Berlin business or organization. Call Officer Tony Fus at 780-8148 or Sgt. Dan Hanlon at 780-8106 to schedule a presentation.