Using the C's to screen a potentially armed Employee

Using the C's to screen a potentially armed Employee

This article discusses two practical steps to screen employees who may be armed in the Corporate or business environment.  Foremost, the scope of this article is directed at Management who is already on notice of an employee possibly being armed.  Whether  from allegations of other employees, or an actual incident; the employee is on the radar and they are now part of an interview, investigation, or even a possible arbitration hearing.

Hence, i've found safe approaches in use of the Courthouse, and Consent; hence, the two C's.

The Courthouse:  Often I have relied upon a jurisdictional Courthouse to either interview an employee or hold a hearing; whether mediation or arbitration.  Why? because, most Courthouse will cause every visitor to undergo some sort of screening for weapons, and their is an immediate armed response to the possession of a weapon. Not to mention, the screening nowadays typically include traditional weapons like guns, knives, and even other harmful items as mace. 

Whether the visit is orchestrated by Security or Human Resources personnel, Courthouses are available.  Its helpful if Management have access to members of the bar that can procure a room, and many times without associated costs.

Consent: The are situations where an interview or investigation will occur on company property which does not have weapons screening capabilities.  I've found no harm in requesting "consent" from the employee, to search bags and person before entering a workplace location. Also remember, this consent may come from an already established policy of your Company.  Nevertheless, the consent to search is another step to allay fears from a potentially armed employee.  Now!  I will admit, its a hair raising experience with this approach as the difference here and the one discussed above is the immediate response from available Authority should a weapon become known. 

In conclusion, remember that the C's of Courthouse and Consent are practical steps that matter in the overall scheme of workplace violence protection.

Michael A. Hodge, CPP, JD is the Author of Managers Guide to Workplace Violence, What Employees Expect you to Know.