CITY OF PORTLAND

HUMAN RESOURCES

ADMINISTRATIVE RULES

EMPLOYEE BEHAVIOR & EXPECTATIONS

WORKPLACE VIOLENCE PROHIBITED

General

The City recognizes the importance of a violence-free work environment for all employees and the public. The City will not tolerate any violent actions which threaten its employees, customers, vendors or volunteers.

Prohibited Actions

As indicated under “Prohibited Activities” in the Administrative Rule on Discipline, employees are prohibited from engaging in physical violence, including engaging in acts of bodily harm or threatening to inflict bodily harm, physical intimidation, or verbal and written threats of violence.

Employees are also prohibited from bringing a “dangerous or deadly weapon”, as defined in City Code 14.32.100 (B), to work or on City property, including parking lots on City property. “Dangerous or deadly weapon” includes a firearm, metal knuckles, straight razor, weapon or the type commonly known as a numchaku, black jack, sap, or sap glove, and any type of knife other than an ordinary pocketknife with a blade not longer than three and one-half inches. When carried with intent to use the same unlawfully against another, “dangerous or deadly weapon” also includes any instrument or device capable of inflicting injury to the person or property of another. This rule also applies to explosive devices or material.

This rule applies to all employees regardless of whether an employee possesses a concealed weapon permit.

Authorized Exceptions to this Rule

This rule does not apply to peace officers acting within the scope of his/her duty, or to any government employee authorized or required by his/her employment or office to carry or use firearms.

Employee Responsibility

All employees are encouraged to be alert to the possibility of violence on the part of employees, former employees, customers and strangers. Employees shall place safety as their highest concern, and shall report all acts of violence and threats of violence immediately to their supervisor.

Bureau Responsibility

Each bureau shall ensure that all employees are advised of this rule and any bureau specific work rules regarding workplace violence. Each bureau shall obtain a written acknowledgement from each employee that they have received a copy of this rule.

Workplace Violence Prevention

The Bureau of Human Resources, in conjunction with outside contractors, provides periodic training for employees on identifying and dealing with workplace violence issues. Contact the Bureau of Human Resources for information or scheduling of workplace violence prevention training.

The video “Violence in the Workplace-Reduce the Risk” is available to bureaus for training and development of workplace violence prevention measures. For information on use of the tape, contact Risk Management at 503.823.5267

Administrative Rule History

Adopted by Council March 6, 2002

Effective April 5, 2002