Predicting
the potential for violence is considered by some an art and
others a science. All would agree that there are no sure predictors
of violent behavior but persons prone to act out with violence
do have many common characteristics:
a
pattern of paranoid beliefs or irrational ideas
frequent use of verbal or other types of threats
intimidation of others as a matter of practice
threats to harm self or property
fascination with weapons or acts of violence
blaming others for his/her problems
romantic obsessions
unable or unwilling to accept "no" to their
suggestions or ideas
evoking fear among coworkers or supervisors
dramatic changes in mood or belief systems
displays of anger or rage
excessive stress at home or on the job
inability to accept criticism
use and abuse of drugs or alcohol
feeling of victimization by agency or "the system"
chronic illness or attendance problems at work
frequent expressions of hopelessness or anxiety
violence toward animals
lack of concern for safety or the safety of others
