Reducing Crime and the Effects of Trauma

Reducing the Risk

Staff in a cash-handling environment are exposed to the daily risk of violence such as an armed robbery. In some instances the risk of attack may be reduced by positive staff strategies.

This half-day workshop is designed to reduce the risk of a robbery in a retail environment by raising the awareness of staff to the security measures that protect them. It teaches a simple strategy for reducing the risk of an attack and improving customer care. In addition it provides a model for managing the emotional response to a violent incident, such as an armed robbery in a retail environment, and gives a strategy for recovery from the effects of the trauma.

Benefits
By the end of this workshop delegates will be able to:

  • Use current statistics to put into context the risks associated with working in a cash handling environment
  • Gain an insight into the mind of the criminal, his motives and goals
  • Understand and utilise the security measures put in place by the organisation
  • Use an understanding of the criminal to develop a personal strategy for reducing the risk
  • Learn a safe way to manage an incident
  • Examine and understand some common emotional reactions to an incident
  • Develop a model for recovery from the effects of an incident

    • First on the Scene

    Managers may have to cope with the daunting task of supporting staff involved in a traumatic incident at work such as violence, an armed robbery, bombing, industrial accident, etc. If the task is carried out well it will speed the staff's recovery and enhance the manager / staff relationship. If handled badly it increases staff turnover, absenteeism and risk of litigation.

    This one day workshop increases the comfort and skills of those who may be "first on the scene" following an incident. It generates an understanding of the after-effects of a crisis and provides a simple model to care effectively for staff.

    Benefits
    By the end of this workshop delegates will be able to:

  • Understand what constitutes a crisis and develop confidence in dealing with it
  • Recognise common post-trauma reactions and how they affect the behaviour of staff
  • Develop and apply a programme of practical, immediate aftercare to support affected employees
  • Manage the involvement of external agencies such as the police and the media
  • Extend the care for the short, medium and long term needs of the staff

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