Editors Message


The Shadow, mysterious radio crime fighter from the 30’s, had it right when he said “Who knows what evil lurks in the heart of man.”


I struggle with finding the right words to express my disdain for the horrific events that occurred in Aurora, Colorado and in Milwaukee at the Sikh Temple. It is a terrible reflection on our society and an unfortunate reminder of the stark reality that we still have a lot of work to do to eliminate violence from our workplaces. My heart goes out to the families of all victims of workplace violence for these reckless and evil events.


The following is a chilling reminder of the evil that men do: When the bouquet of irises arrived at the woman’s workplace, they seemed to be a loving gift from her husband. But attached to them was a note, which read: “These are the flowers I will put on your grave.” A female employee received this threatening message to keep her silent about the physical and emotional abuse she had suffered. This incident occurred in the United Kingdom. Thank goodness there is an organization in the UK that is focused on ending this travesty in the workplace. Learn more by visiting their web site at http://www.caadv.org.uk/


I am excited to announce that Glen Kraemer, one of the founding partners of the Curiale, Hirschfeld and Kramer LLP and Manager of the Los Angeles office employment law practice will be contributing the future Decision- Point Column. Glen focuses exclusively on the repre- sentation of employers and is renown for his work addressing workplace violence prevention and threat management. We are ecstatic to have a contributor of Glen’s stature and esteem.


The Australasian Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (AATAP) officially lauched in December 2011. The members consist of a wide range of disciplines including psychiatry, psychology, law enforcement, security and University counselling services. For more information on AATAP please send email to AustralasianATAP@gmail.com.


Until next time stay safe and always be prepared. Bryar


Mass Murder is Predictably Unpredictable


It didn't take very long once the initial shock wave surround- ing the Colorado theater massacre had passed for the speculation about motive and mindset to begin. Experts of all sorts were asked for their theories on what kind of person would slaughter innocent strangers and then calmly surren- der to the police. While there are common characteristics, motivational themes and patterns to these shootings and those responsible for the carnage, unfortunately not much is readily available to help reduce risk. And while the mass killer profile is predictable, their exact identifies are not. Mass murderers often exhibit telltale warning signs in their behavior or words, but these become clear only with hindsight. These so-called "red flags" are actually yellow ones that turn red only after the bloodletting. Despite any reliable foreseeability, we should all try harder to reach out to those around us who seem to be struggling financially, socially or psychologically and we should be careful regarding the kind of attention we give to the people responsible for these tragic events. It is quite appropriate to shed light on the crime, but without shedding a spotlight on the one believed responsible.


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Homeland Security Gives Pointers on Surviving Shooting Sprees


With seminars, online courses, posters, a booklet and even a pocket card highlighting salient points, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is educating mall owners, office managers and the public on how to lessen the likelihood of becoming a casualty. Pointers include yelling at or subduing the shooter in some situations. Boiled down to the essen- tials, the advice is to evacuate or hide, and if those options aren’t available, disrupt the attack by distracting the shooter or taking him out. The department advises people to remember to keep their hands visible and spread their fingers so police arriving on the scene don’t mistake them for the shooter. The booklet and online course indicate that “attitudes have evolved into a tacit, realistic acceptance that violence in our workplaces, schools and public places has become a part of our lives,” said Joseph A. LaSorsa, a former Secret Service agent. The emphasis is now placed onto the victims and the steps they can take to save themselves before help arrives.


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