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.
One area of training will highlight the many cultural communities within the city and the significantly different values each places on tone and touch. We want to help them acknowledge the stages of emotion they are likely to experience. We're going to try something here. If we save one life, it's worth it. If we drop the level of confrontation and the negative language, we'll have less violence, safer employees, a safer city.