risk assessment
initial potential threat assessment for visitors to mowana.
the most reliable predictor of future violence is a history of violent behaviour. this is not generally information that we will be aware of about visitors to mowana.
the information below is a set of points to consider in order to keep everyone safe and comfortable during operating hours.
threat assessment
what is the person doing?
- aggressive body language — clenching fists, pointing aggressively, pacing, throwing / hitting / slamming things
- talking in a raised voice or yelling in an aggressive or threatening manner; argumentative and/or belligerent
- moving closely towards others in an aggressive or agitated way
what is the person communicating?
- are they making any types of threats — direct, indirect, veiled or conditional?
- words expressing threats?
- talking in a fixated way about weapons and/or about engaging in acts of violence?
does their appearance indicate any concerns?
- any indication of weapons, or something that could easily be used as one?
- look for shapes under clothing that may indicate they are carrying or concealing something — bulges under clothing or around the waistband. if they attend with a bag, be mindful the bag may contain a weapon (knives are not unusual for people to carry but can be deadly).
- does their clothing look dishevelled or ripped, which may indicate recent fighting or intentional property damage?
- do they appear to be affected by alcohol or other drugs? when affected, some people act in ways they usually would not.
basics to de-escalate
- communicate calmly and non-confrontationally, but be assertive. avoid raising your voice, regardless of them potentially yelling at you or others.
- it is advisable for one volunteer to be the main communicator with the visitor you are trying to de-escalate. if that volunteer becomes distressed in any way, it is preferable for another volunteer to take over. likewise, if the visitor appears to be reacting badly to the main communicator, another volunteer taking over may help.
- do not tell them you will do things unless you intend to and are prepared to do them.
- do not try to move them to a confined space.
- do not lock them inside the premises.
be mindful that each of us may feel threatened in different ways — what is concerning behaviour for one person may not be for another. we all have different levels of tolerance, due to past experience and exposure, training, confidence and personal bias.
the above are just points to be mindful of.
who to call
nsw police / ambulance–paramedics / fire & rescue. use this if there is a serious threat, harm or injury to a person or property requiring an emergency response. all volunteers on shift should be informed if you intend to call 000.
dee why police — for police attendance that is not an emergency. northern beaches police area command covers our area. it’s recommended all volunteers save this number in their phones.
northern beaches police area command have a pacer mental health clinician on shift at certain times (not 24 hours). the police supervisor on duty generally determines if a pacer attends a call-out, but you can request their attendance if available.