[Michlib-l] Procedure for active assault

Tue Sep 20 15:50:55 EDT 2016

Hello everyone!

The ALA has a free presentation available on the topic of preventing violence in the Library:
http://www.ala.org/pla/onlinelearning/webinars/archive/prevention  This presentation includes many tips for how to handle threatening and aggressive patrons as well as certain violent acts.

Under Michigan law, it is possible that a library could be liable for injuries to an alleged assailant  by a staff member. The answer to this depends greatly on the facts of a particular scenario, but the possibility does exist.

Contacting your local police department for advice and training is an excellent idea. A clear policy/procedure (designed with input from police or an attorney), and  training for staff on the policy/procedure is also a good idea.

Clare

Clare D. Membiela, MLS, J.D.
Library of Michigan
www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan<http://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan>
517-335-8132
MembielaC at michigan.gov
Information within this message is for educational and informational purposes only. No information in this message constitutes, nor should be interpreted as, legal advice or opinion.

Our collective efforts can help make Michigan a Top 10 education state in 10 years!  Here are the goals and strategies: http://mi.gov/top10in10/

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From: michlib-l-bounces at mcls.org [mailto:michlib-l-bounces at mcls.org] On Behalf Of Chris Wells
Sent: Tuesday, September 20, 2016 1:00 PM
To: Christine Nofsinger <cnofsinger at gmail.com>; Corey Seeman <cseeman at umich.edu>
Cc: Michlib-l <michlib-l at mcls.org>
Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] Procedure for active assault

This was also my thought. I think you are a lot less liable for injury if you use a product specifically designed for non-lethal self-defense.

Here is a corresponding Snopes article: http://www.snopes.com/crime/prevent/waspspray.asp

--
Chris Wells
IT Manager, Genesee District Library
P: 810-230-3341
E: cwells at thegdl.org<mailto:cwells at thegdl.org>

THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THIS EMAIL ARE MY OWN AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE GENESEE DISTRICT LIBRARY.

From: <michlib-l-bounces at mcls.org<mailto:michlib-l-bounces at mcls.org>> on behalf of Christine Nofsinger <cnofsinger at gmail.com<mailto:cnofsinger at gmail.com>>
Date: Tuesday, September 20, 2016 at 12:56 PM
To: Corey Seeman <cseeman at umich.edu<mailto:cseeman at umich.edu>>
Cc: Michlib-l <michlib-l at mcls.org<mailto:michlib-l at mcls.org>>
Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] Procedure for active assault

We decided against wasp spray after doing a bit of research.  You are possibly liable if you use a spray against a person rather than for it's intended use.  This was confirmed by our lawyer.

http://articles.extension.org/pages/70030/6-reasons-why-wasp-spray-is-not-a-substitute-for-pepper-spray
Chris

On Tue, Sep 20, 2016 at 12:43 PM, Corey Seeman <cseeman at umich.edu<mailto:cseeman at umich.edu>> wrote:
Hi everyone.

We have had training on the University of Michigan by the campus police.  It was great training about what to do and what not to do.  I think every library or organization should have their own setup based on local needs.

This might be a good opportunity to reach out to the local police to see what they suggest.  While the board members will make suggestions that have good intent, connecting with the police might be the best way forward.

Here's hoping no one needs to use the training you might get!

Best - Corey

Corey Seeman

Director, Kresge Library Services (http://www.bus.umich.edu/kresgelibrary/)
Stephen M. Ross School of Business
University of Michigan
700 East University Avenue
Kresge Hall, 4th Floor East
Suite K4511
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1234
(734) 764-9969<tel:%28734%29%20764-9969>
Cell Phone (734) 717-9734<tel:%28734%29%20717-9734>
cseeman at umich.edu<mailto:cseeman at umich.edu>
Twitter @cseeman
Google+ https://plus.google.com/117345227585597362675
ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8205-1255
Corey's Web Home: http://www-personal.umich.edu/~cseeman/index.html<http://www-personal.umich.edu/%7Ecseeman/index.html>
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On Tue, Sep 20, 2016 at 12:36 PM, Jaema Berman <jberman at tln.lib.mi.us<mailto:jberman at tln.lib.mi.us>> wrote:
We don't have a plan but our next staff meeting is Monday and I would be very interested in hearing what plans people do have in place. Thanks, Jaema Berman

----- Original Message -----
From: "Megan Buck" <meg at dcl-lib.org<mailto:meg at dcl-lib.org>>
To: "Michlib-l" <michlib-l at mcls.org<mailto:michlib-l at mcls.org>>
Sent: Tuesday, September 20, 2016 12:27:07 PM
Subject: [Michlib-l] Procedure for active assault

Hi All,

Does anyone have a procedure for an active assault that you would be willing to share? I am particularly interested in libraries that do not have a security person in the building and/or those that are a distance from the nearest law enforcement agency.

We had a Board member suggest that perhaps the library desk should stock pepper spray for emergencies (such as a person who enters the building and starts attacking patrons). It was suggested I find out what other libraries are doing to train their staff and protect patrons in the event of an active assault of any kind.

We do have a Policy for patron behavior, but it assumes that staff will be able to approach the patron and ask them to leave and/or issue a verbal warning that they will be calling the police. In the question above, we are assuming that reasoning with the person is not an option and response time may be long.

Thank you!

Megan
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--
Jaema Berman
Director
Addison Twp. Public Library
1400 Rochester Rd.
Leonard, MI 48367
Phone: 248-628-7180<tel:248-628-7180>
Fax: 248-628-6109<tel:248-628-6109>
http://www.addisontwp.michlibrary.org

“Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.”
Margaret Fuller
1810-1850
Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested. ~ Francis Bacon

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