Recognizing Warning Signs and Signals
By Heidi Smith Luedtke, PhD
The military is like a big, extended family—we work, play, and live close to one another. As a result, we have lots of opportunities to interact. In doing so, you may notice peculiarities in others’ behavior. Pay attention.
Traumatic personal events – divorce, deployment/reunion, financial problems – increase the risk for violence. When stresses add up, short-tempered, hostile individuals may have repeated conflicts with coworkers and family members. And tensions may escalate.
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime, these signs indicate increased risk for workplace violence:
- Hypersensitivity to criticism
- Angry outbursts (verbal or physical)
- Alcohol or drug use on the job
- Making specific threats against others
- Acquiring weapons
- Fascination with violent events and images
- Obsession with another service member or supervisor
- Significant behavior changes
- Homicidal or suicidal threats or comments
Dr. Rande Matteson, retired federal agent and Chair of the Department of Criminal Justice at Saint Leo University, warns it is difficult to profile someone’s behavior. If you observe unusual behavior, develop a sense of caution. If you truly believe they are a danger to themselves or others, you can ask mental health or law enforcement officials to submit them to a mental health facility for evaluation, says Matteson.
Even when we detect potential dangers, we may fail to act. Read Milspouse.com tomorrow to learn why people ignore the warning signs of workplace violence or resist intervening.