CLEARLAKE ? The Clearlake Chamber of Commerce provided its members with information crucial to maintaining a safe work environment during a Business Watch seminar held on Thursday. More than 30 individuals representing various local businesses attended the lunchtime presentation.
Clearlake Police Sgt. Brett Rhodes, with support from Chief Allan McClain, directed the program, which focused on how to deal with difficult customers and best practices for keeping customers and employees safe.
The program was held in Q&A format in which participants had an opportunity ask questions and find answers with regard to their specific areas of concern. The law enforcers noted on several occasions that specific tactics will vary from business to business; however, they said, the first step beneficial to all businesses is developing a safety plan.
“Have a plan. Talk about it and practice it,” Chief McClain said.
“Know what to do in these circumstances so you don”t panic.”
Having a plan could include the use of code words or actions that alert fellow employees of potential problems. The plan should include appropriate actions to take, such as when to notify or request law enforcement response. McClain said that officers are available to do sight visits and help business operators develop individual plans specifically tailored to their needs and concerns.
Sgt. Rhodes provided best practice recommendations aimed at maintaining a safe workplace. A few of the tips he shared included keeping the business well lit, using customer service skills to greet and recognize potentially dangerous individuals and identifying the individual”s purpose for being in your establishment.
Sgt. Rhodes also said that if you notice a suspicious individual outside of your business and have a concern, call it in. “If they leave, just call us back and give us an update,” he said. “A problem for you may be a problem for other businesses as well.”
Sgt. Rhodes said become a chameleon. “Change your colors,” he said.
When dealing with an unruly customer he suggested, change your tone of voice, bring it down; open up your body language or perhaps separate the individual from the common area. “If you get them one-on-one, they have an opportunity to save face,” Sgt. Rhodes explained. “Like the chief said, sometimes you have to mislead them so others have an opportunity to call the police.”
Practices to deter crime were also included in recommendations offered by the presenters. Some tips included removing bushes from in front of windows, keeping lights on and blinds up at night and keeping equipment such as computers away from windows.
Equipment maintenance is important too. One thing that frustrates the police department, McClain said, is when people do things that just aren”t smart. Replace batteries in alarms, replace video tapes in surveillance equipment, he said. “Do the things that you have to and maintain that equipment,” McClain said.
Demanding a thumbprint when accepting a check is another way to deter crime. “One thing crooks don”t like doing is put their thumbprint on a check. They can”t run from a thumbprint,” McClain said. “They like to take your money and run. If we have a thumbprint then we can find them.”
Rhodes also suggested keeping the check if you can. Ask for identification and if it is safe, look through the window and get their license plate number if they leave. “If they hit you they are probably going to hit someone else,” Sgt. Rhodes said. “Not only do you get law enforcement involved, but you may help out the next business.”
Ending the program, McClain reminded those in attendance that personal safety comes first. Using physical force to detain someone while waiting for officer response is an independent decision. He recommended not escalating the situation and said that people can use reasonable force to detain a person until response is rendered; however, he said, “Most times they are going to do whatever they can to get free. I never suggest going physical. Property can be replaced. You”re dealing with nuts out there and it”s not worth your life.”
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com. To comment on this story or others, please visit www.record-bee.com.
