Missing Red Flags of Violent Behavior?

One of the most common and gravest mistakes made when it comes to violent crime is missing or ignoring the warning signs.

Hannah Anderson

The recent kidnapping of Hannah Anderson by Jim DiMaggio is a good case to review. In one news article, Hannah's grandparents were quoted as saying that there was no warning - nothing to indicate the evil under the surface of DiMaggio. However, as you read the articles, there were plenty of warnings.

Perhaps the most subtle sign was DiMaggio's own past. His father kidnapped a teenage girl at gunpoint himself. She escaped and he was arrested and years later committed suicide. It is very unlikely that the kidnapping was the only domestic violence Jim DiMaggio was exposed to over his life. May stories have shown that kids raised in an abusive home are more likely to continue that kind of aggression themselves.

No one would expect the Andersons to do a background check on a friend, but it is also hard to imagine that over the years they knew each other there was no indication of some of the past behavior. It is possible that Jim wove a careful story to cover up the experiences. However, I'd be surprised.

James DiMaggio

More apparent were some of the present behaviors that could indicate violence. In studies of those who commit workplace murders, there are some characteristics that stand out. One of the more common traits was living alone. That shows a lack of family or social support, especially at DiMaggio's age, which could mean antisocial conduct.

He was going through foreclosure, losing his home and was going to have to move away. That is stressful for anyone and for someone without support or prone to violence or mental illness it could push them over the age.

The greatest warning of all came from Hannah herself. She had become uncomfortable with "Uncle Jim" after he told her he liked her. She had gone on a week long trip to Hollywood and came home after two days because she was uncomfortable You have to wonder why she was even traveling alone with a guy who was not a relative. When she came home early, the parents should have really questioned why.

Hannah was apparently not telling her parents about some of the her concerns, not wanting to ruin the friendship between her dad and Jim. So often in these cases, the individuals who see the warning signs either do not take them as seriously as possible or do not tell those that should know.

As soon as Hannah became uncomfortable with Jim, her family should have been on high alert. I believe in trusting your instincts; when something does not feel right or safe, there is most likely a reason that the subconscious mind picked up on. As a father, I could not imagine letting my family go anywhere with someone who made my daughter feel that uncomfortable.

This was a horrible crime. Hopefully, the lessons will be enough to help some other potential victims notice the red flags and avoid a dangerous individual before it is too late.

 

Eric Smith, CPP is the leading authority on organizational self-defense. He has extensive experience in law enforcement as well as security management. Eric is available for staff education and security awareness training as well as business coaching to help organizations provide safe workplaces. To learn more email eric@businesskarate.com.

 

 

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Six Critical Steps to Follow When Domestic Violence Comes to Work

               Scott Dekraai sat on the beach contemplating life – his own, as well as that of his ex-wife.  He was apparently upset over the custody issues with his son and had just lost a court request to change the custody orders.  He was worried, as his son would come home from stays with the ex-wife with bruises.

               Sadly, his meditations led to a series of wrong decisions leaving eight dead and one person in critical condition, Dekraai in police custody and his son in protective care.

               Dekraai got up and went to the hair salon where his ex-wife worked.  He promptly shot and killed her, then shot a co-worker and friend who had helped her through the divorce.  A manager tried to stop Dekraai by charging him with a pair of scissors and he was also shot and killed.

               The suspect continued to fire at others and later told police that they were “collateral damage.”  As he left, he shot another male sitting in his car, as he believed that the victim was an off-duty police officer reaching for a gun.  He later surrendered to police without a fight.

               Fortunately, domestic violence does not always end up at a victim’s workplace in such a deadly manner.  It is, however, common for suspects to search out their victims at work, as that may be the only place they can find the victim.

               After a domestic violence situation, the aggressor is likely going to be taken into custody if any crime has been committed due to mandatory arrest laws.  While the suspect goes to jail, the victim may be offered the chance to move into a safe house or may leave to stay with relatives or friends.

               The suspect will not be in jail forever, perhaps only overnight.  When he (yes, typically he, not she, but not always) gets out, he often wants to get in touch with his wife or girlfriend right away.  If she is in a safe house, he may not have a way to contact her.  But, of course, she will still go to work and he likely knows where that is.  He may have visited frequently, knows how to get in, knows where she parks and knows when she leaves and arrives.

               According to an article in Security Director Report, domestic violence was most likely to happen at the start or end of a victim’s workday, often in the parking lot as they come or go.

               An organization that has employees (and most do) runs a risk of dealing with domestic violence issues at work.  The larger the organization, it is arguably more likely that a victim’s manager or department director will not know about the situation.  If the victim does not tell anyone at work, the business cannot do anything to help look after the victim or others.

               What should be done at the workplace to help the affected employee and protect both them and other colleagues, customers and visitors from a potential attacker?  Fortunately, there are a number of basic steps that any organization should follow to help prevent and respond to violence when it spills over from the home into work.

1. Encourage employees to share with human resources when they are involved in a domestic violence situation.  The written policy should spell out that the case will be reviewed to assess the best steps to protect everyone exposed.  It also needs to be clear that the company will not hold it against an employee or retaliate against them in any way for reporting the problems.  The policy must address the individual’s privacy while ensuring that the issue is only relayed to those who ‘need to know.’
2. Take all domestic violence situations seriously.  Even law enforcement takes these types of family disturbances very seriously and understand the great risks and potential for violence.  When responding to a DV call, police will check for past incidents at the address.  Officers understand that these types of calls are extremely dangerous as emotions run very high and they always respond with cover officers.  Jealousy or loss of control over a loved one can push someone to violence very quickly.
3. Find out if there is a restraining order involved.  Even victims are often confused about whether a restraining order is in place.  Often victims are told that the suspect is not allowed to contact them, but that is due to bond conditions when the suspect gets out of jail.  These stipulate that the bond will be revoked if the suspect contacts the victim, but are different from a restraining order, which is a court order signed up a judge restricting access.  The RO must be served to the suspect if they are not in court.  Get copies of any RO.  This can help facilitate police response if the party does try to contact the victim at work, even by phone, email or through a third party.
4. Protect the victim.  A few simple steps can help keep the affected employee safe.  Changing their work shift even a half an hour from normal can make it harder for the suspect to catch them in the parking lot or as they come or go from work.  It also makes it more likely that the suspect will attract attention or be seen as suspicious if forced to wait in the area longer.  Moving the victim’s parking area is a great option if available as well.  If not, be sure that they are not going to or from their car alone.  Screen phone calls to limit contact by the suspect.
5. Review and assess any domestic violence case.  Find out if there are past acts of violence or threats.  Does the suspect have access to weapons?  What do they have to lose if they become violent, meaning are they at wit’s end or feel like they have lost everything?
6. Involve others.  The victim may not want anyone to know and his or her privacy should be respected.  A few details should be passed on to screeners such as security or lobby personnel to be on the lookout for the suspect.  Ask the victim for a photo and description of the suspect, as well as a vehicle description to help the ‘gatekeepers’ identify the right person.  If the victim wishes to remain private, a general alert can be passed on to keep appropriate personnel alert to suspicious activity or tighten access control measures.

               This is a general overview.  Details need to be adjusted for your specific organization and work environment.  When violence spills over from home into work, it can be very dangerous.  Following these basic steps can help keep everyone safer.

Your biggest risks may not be your biggest worries.  About 33% of small businesses fail after becoming victims of crime.  Ordinary, everyday criminal acts – not high profile terror attacks or disasters. 

Get real solutions for real problems.  Contact eric@businesskarate.com to learn about security coaching and how to help your organization thrive.