Ch. 1. Introduction. Background. Project objectives. Technical approach to project. Report organization -- ch. 2. Literature summary. Transit security. Workplace violence. Bus operator training and selection. Video surveillance. Self-defense. Bus operator perspective. International studies -- ch. 3. Survey results. Characteristics of survey respondents. Security provider. Fare and rules enforcement. Standard operating procedures. Definition of "assault". Assault characteristics. Training. Employee assistance. Data collection and reporting. Methods to address operator assaults. Bus operator selection methods. Impact of violence against operators. Effective measures -- ch. 4. Operator protection measures : technology and information management. Barriers. Information management and crime analysis. Video surveillance. Audio surveillance. Automatic vehicle location system. Transit operations decision support system. Emergency communications. DNA kits.

Workplace violence is one of today's most serious occupational hazards. This practical guide offers valuable information on how to systematically design and develop workplace prevention programs and policies. The book approaches the issue from two fronts. First, it demonstrates how workplace violence can be prevented by examining how organizations and groups are handling the problem. It reviews an array of existing guidelines and policies developed by governments, trade unions, special study groups, workplace violence experts, employers' groups, and specific industries and generates a useful survey of best practice strategies. Second, the guide outlines in detail a reliable and effective methodology for developing workplace violence prevention programs which includes: assessing and describing risk; designing, implementing, and monitoring preventive and reactive measures; and reviewing the risk management process. Every worker deserves a safe and secure environment and violence should not be accepted as part of any job. This book presents concrete guidance for combating violence in the workplace while also providing a wider understanding of the factors and conditions that contribute to it.

Til Wykes BACKGROUND The recent publication of several surveys on violence was the impetus for this book. The first was carried out in 1986 by the Health and Safety Commission Health Services Advisory Committee (1987). They conducted a comprehensive survey of the inddence of violence to 5000 workers in five separate health districts. The results from the 3000 people who eventually replied made many in the caring professions worried. One in 200 workers had suffered a major injury following a violent attack during the previous year and a further one in ten needed first aid following an assault. Other surveys also showed high risks: of sodal service staff, 6% had suffered an attack in the past 5 years (Saunders, 1987), and sodal workers were at even high er risk. 29% had been assaulted in the last 3 years (Rowett, 1986). In addition, 4% of general practitioners had experienced an attack resulting in injury in the past year (D'Urso and Hobbs, 1989). Clinical psychologists were also at risk - 53% had been assaulted at least once during their professional career and 18% in the past year (Perkins, 1991). Media reports of extreme violence seem to be the tip of the iceberg. Many staff are attacked and some of these attacks have serious physical or psychological consequences that interfere with the victim' s ability to return to their full working capadty. This loss of highly trained staff should be recognized by employers and the community.

Herein lie the answers to crime and disorder. So many people become dispirited, fatalistic or angry about crime instead of seeing crime problems, like business setbacks, as challenges or even opportunities. This book sets out a clear, systematic and demonstrably successful strategy for reducing the temptations and opportunities for crime. You cannot change the travelling public or the communities which public transport serves, but you can change the immediate circumstances and surroundings that you present to people, you can re-think and reinvigorate your service offering, you can recruit help from other agencies, from staff and even those who ride the system, and you can make the transition from being reactive to being ahead of the game. The theory is backed up by concrete examples of how and why and where smart-thinking has worked before to outflank crime-this is not just off-the-shelf self-help philosophy but a compendium of real-world best practice. What's more, you can often make money, or at least save a lot of money, by doing the right thing, and this book tells you how. Nick Ross,BBC Crimewatch UK, Chairman, UCL Jill Dando Institute of Crime Science Advisory Board

This report provides an understanding of the nature of workplace violence, and suggests ways of preventing it. It highlights best practice and successful methods of prevention, illustrating the positive lessons to be drawn from such experience.

Acts of vandalism or violence and the defacing of facilities are increasing in public transport systems. This report provides an analysis of the social and psychological causes which is a prerequisite to formulate corrective measures.