In that capacity he was recently tapped for an assignment that will draw upon his Mennonite understanding of faith. Quintela is chairing a task force aimed at Preventing Violence in the Workplace. It is geared especially to St. Paul city employees, several of whom fell victim recently to gunfire. A city building inspector was killed when he entered a home in response to a complaint. Paramedics have been shot while responding to crisis calls.
Verbal harassment happens among colleagues, also.
The course will be a mix of practical tips and more philosophical discussions about when it is justifiable to retreat from a violent situation and when it is appropriate to confront violence. But we have other options. We can de-escalate, withdraw, and recognize our cultural differences in the meanings of touch, body language, and tone of voice. For example, city staff are considering ways to present themselves less confrontationally. Weapons create tension.