Warning Signs
Behaviors that may relate to potential threats
- Poor workplace relationships marked by a pattern of unusual verbal conflicts or emotional outbursts
- Acts of insubordination (a pattern of unusual acts of disobedience)
- Blaming others for his/her life’s difficulties
- Indications of substance abuse (physical decline, behavior swings, tardiness, forgetfulness, anxiety attacks)
- Subtle acts of intimidation (a pattern of posturing, overbearing behavior)
- Marked decline in hygiene/appearance
- Fits of rage and angry outbursts (screaming/yelling, swearing, wild violent gestures)
- Veiled threat of violence (statement or behavior that implies an intent to harm or predicts that bad things are going to happen to an individual)
- Flashing a weapon
- Expressions of persecution/paranoia
- Obsession with a grudge or “injustices” towards a specific individual or management
- Expressions of extreme desperation over recent family, financial, or personal problems
- Fascination with workplace violence (likes to discuss incidents of violence and condones it)
- Preoccupation with weapons (frequent discussions about weapons and their use)