WORKPLACE VIOLENCE NEWS - continued How to Spot a Psychopath in Your Workplace


While many people who fit the profile of a psychopath aren't serial killers or notorious criminals, they share a number of the same characteristics; and that can make them nightmares in the workplace. "What's fundamentally different about [psychopaths] is that they do not have a conscience regarding their conduct, no matter how catastrophic the consequences might be," said Kelly Wilson, president and director of forensic services for PsyBar LLC. "Many of them are literally unable to experience human attachment or genuine human emotion." Even if their behavior isn't criminal, psychopaths bring a number of toxic traits into the workplace. Citing the research of the late Hervey Cleckley – a pioneer in the study of psychopathy – Wilson noted that psychopaths tend to be: Superficially charming and gregarious; Inhumanly calm; Unreliable; Dishonest and insincere; Antisocial; Arrogant and egocentric; Unresponsive to interpersonal relations; and Outrageous and uninviting in their behavior.


Psychopaths also tend to have "an inclination for breaking rules and pushing the limits of acceptable behavior" – which can undermine workplace-safety efforts, and they often share a chameleon-like ability to blend into normal society without being noticed.


Read more Gun-Control Advocates See 5150 Holds As Model


Having achieved something close to mythic status in California pop culture, the state's "5150" hold for people in psychiatric crisis is being looked at by national gun-control advocates and some experts as a way to get help for mass shooters before they open fire. Named for the section where it appears in California's Welfare and Institutions Code, 5150 lets mental health professionals commit those deemed to be a danger to themselves or others to a care facility for as long as 72 hours.


If professionals believe a person requires further hospitalization, they can extend the stay for two weeks. Patients committed for that length of time are automatically entitled to a hearing that allows them to argue for their release. Under California law, hospital admission in these circumstances triggers a report to the state Department of Justice's Armed Prohibited Persons System. Those who have been detained on a 5150 hold cannot possess or own guns for five years, though the law permits them to petition to regain firearms rights.


There is demonstrable evidence that there's something going on in California that's helping to stop gun violence in a way that isn't mirrored in most other states." The 5150 admission form clearly states that drug or alcohol use or just plain odd or antisocial behavior is not by itself grounds for a 72-hour hold, Barnhorst said.


Read more


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27