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Dramatically Altered Demeanor of Staff Member - Threat to Shoot Students

The Facts

An Employee came to work with a different/aggressive demeanor towards co-workers and administrators which escalated over a several week period. Physical roughness was observed with a student. Her neighbor, who also works at the school, observed an incident involving the staff member that required police response. "If they keep smoking by my window, I'm going to get a gun and shoot them." One of the responding officers was also the school SRO. After learning of what occurred, the Principal shared the recent behavioral history with the SRO, who attempted to get a warrant to perform a wellness check.  The co-workers expressed concern over having to work with this staff member. The administration determined sufficient grounds to terminate the staff member and wanted to ban her from returning to the school. There was insufficient evidence to obtain a protective order. The circumstances were further complicated by her having a child who was a student at the school. 

Our Response

The insured received the following services:

  • Guidance around method of notification of termination of the staff member
  • Advice to consult legal counsel
  • Enhanced security procedures during morning drop-off,  and communications with other staff members

The Value

The value the insured received included: 

  • Leadership support with DECISIONS. ACTIONS. WORDS that led to termination of the staff member in a safe manner
  • Recommendations on additional training for employees related to behavioral risk
  • Enhancement of security procedures in the future