Workplace violence may be defined as violence that is committed against other workers. Apparently, violence can take place in the workplace or away from the workplace. Based on research findings, workplace violence is considered to be one of the fastest growing forms of murder in the United States (Nykodym, Ariss, Patrick, & Holman, 2013).
Indicators of Violence within the School System
Understanding a certain form of abnormal behavior often starts with systematic observations by a keen person (Sue, Sue, Sue, & Sue, 2012). Ostensibly, the observations can be paired with an individual’s psychological history. The common indicators of violence around the school area include intimidation, harassment, or any form of inappropriate behavior toward other workers. It may also include incidences of employees coming to school with weapons or even a sudden change of an employee’s normal behavior.
Drawing from the study by Nykodym et al. (2013), employees who are most prone to violence within the school system are those who are placed in positions where they have to constantly interact with the public.
Causes of Violence around Schools
Violence within the school area can occur for a number of reasons. Examples include poor leadership, unmanaged stress or friction at home. Nykodym et al. (2013) identified different forms of workplace violence. First, violence may be a result of criminal acts committed by individuals who do not have any connection with the school. The second type of violence is the one directed toward employees by students, parents, or any other category of people served by the school. The third type of violence is that which is carried out against colleagues such as supervisors, managers or co-workers. The fourth category of violence is one perpetrated by a person who does not work for the school but has a relationship with an employee.
Resources available to Schools in Regards to Safety and Security
In order to deal with the dilemma of safety and security, schools can rely on existing technology. Locally, schools can install biometric systems to deal with the issues of security. Generally, biometric systems help to monitor activities within the school environment and provide useful information for investigations. A close examination of these systems can reveal any form of inappropriate behavior.
The resources that can be provided by the state to guarantee security in schools include constant patrols by law enforcers and making use of prison facilities to punish offenders. The federal government can also help to deal with the problem of security in schools by constituting bodies to investigate the causes of insecurity and to offer prevention strategies.
Security and Safety Measures at Schools in My Area
To a very large extent, schools in the United States rely on technology to handle the challenge of safety and security. Surveillance systems installed in various places within the school area are used to keep track of things happening around the school and these can later be used to deal with unacceptable behavior within the school environs.
The Role of Security within a School System and Risks of Security Working the School System
The importance of security within the school area cannot be underestimated. Security is paramount if a healthy learning environment has to be established in the school. Both staff and students must be assured of their safety and security while at school.
The greatest risk of security working in a school system has to do with the fact that those with ill intentions may work against prevention efforts. There is also a possibility of security officers in schools being attacked by people who are out to cause harm.
Conclusion
As discussed in this paper, maintaining safety and security within the school system is very important. The society is made up of people with different characters, and while most people are focused on doing what is right, there are those who may digress from acceptable behavior and act indecently.
References
Nykodym, N., Ariss, S., Patrick, B. A., & Holman, C. (2013). Workplace Violence and Cyber Crime Prevention. Journal of Applied Business and Economics, 15(1), 71 – 76. Web.
Sue, D., Sue, D. W., Sue, S., & Sue, D. M. (2015). Understanding Abnormal Behavior (10th ed.). Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning.