Frequently Asked Questions about Violence Response Procedures I

Q. What makes the Violence Response Procedures I Specialized Training Segment different from the Violence Response Procedures Topic Module?

A. When violence occurs, employees have a right and responsibility to keep themselves safe. The Violence Response Procedures I Specialized Training Segment involves CPI’s Personal Safety Techniques^SM designed to escape and evade common types of aggressive moves.

The Violence Response Procedures Topic Module provides practical information and strategies to address the preparedness of individual employees and your organization as a whole in preventing and responding to violence.

Q. I am a Certified Instructor who attended the Three-Day Instructor Certification Program, can I teach Violence Response Procedures I?

A. No. Only those active Prepare Training^® program Certified Instructors who have successfully completed Instructor Certification in Violence Response Procedures I may teach this Specialized Training Segment.

However, all active Certified Instructors may teach the Violence Response Procedures Topic Module.

Q. Is this a self-defense course?

A. No. The information that precedes and follows these techniques will explain that this is not “a self-defense course” and should not be taught as such.

CPI’s Personal Safety Techniques^SM are designed to be compatible with the philosophy of maintaining Respect, Service, and Safety at Work^® and involve safe, non-harmful escape and evasion strategies. They should be implemented within the framework of other violence preparedness measures presented in this training.

Q. What will I learn in Violence Response Procedures I?
A. In this Prepare Training^® Specialized Training Segment, participants will:

• Learn and practice CPI’s Personal Safety Techniques^SM for evading and escaping physical assault.

• Examine the role of fear, anxiety, and panic during critical incidents and explore ways to maximize productive responses.

• Develop the awareness, observation, assessment, and response related to preventing and preparing for workplace violence.

• Discuss actions that should be taken after a crisis to learn from what occurred for those directly and indirectly affected.

• Review the Prepare Training^® program philosophy and CPI’s Crisis Development Model^SM.

Q. Why should I take Violence Response Procedures I?

A. Violence can occur in any workplace. Prevention efforts significantly reduce the chances for a violent incident, but the possibility of its occurrence cannot be eliminated completely. For that reason, a holistic approach to workplace violence prevention must address high-risk employees and departments within an organization’s preparedness efforts as well as Violence Response Procedures.  

This Prepare Training^® Specialized Training Segment provides practical information and strategies to bridge from prevention into preparedness. The core values of Respect, Service, and Safety at Work^®—as taught in the Prepare Training^® Foundation Course and other Topic Modules—are again stressed in this Specialized Training Segment with an emphasis on their mutual dependence. None of these values can exist without the others.

Effective violence response procedures incorporate preventive measures and observational reporting guidelines, as well as emergency protocol and follow-up. The best efforts to prevent crises and defuse disruptive situations may not always be as successful as hoped. If an individual is presenting a threat to cause physical harm or is dangerous, awareness and preparedness will be key in minimizing panic and maximizing safety.

Q. Is the next step taking Violence Response Procedures II?

A. Not necessarily. The Violence Response Procedures II Specialized Training Segment teaches CPI’s safe and non-harmful physical intervention techniques in which you learn safe, non-aversive physical control and restraint. Organizations need to seriously consider any applicable requirements under laws in specific jurisdictions as well as any other regulations, standards, best practices, or mandates regarding physical intervention issue that may impact providing this training to properly authorized employees.

For example, if your organization has a “hands off” policy, Violence Response Procedures II would not be the best fit for you, and could violate your own organizational policies and procedures in handling violent situations.

CPI’s Prepare Training^® Specialists can explore these and other important issues with organizations in considering training options.

Q. How do I know if Violence Response Procedures I or II are right for me?

A. If you have questions or concerns about either of these Specialized Training Segments please call us at 800.787.5166, and we’ll be happy to discuss the training and find out if it would be the right fit for you and your organization.