Knowing The Policy Series - threatening staff or the public;

Do you know Rowan Public Library's

 Disruptive Behavior Policy Statement???

For the next coming weeks I will be highlighting them on the Security Tips Blog.

Any comments or questions you may have you can email me at:

tara.greene@rowancountync.gov

20. Knowing The Policy Series - threatening staff or the public;

Threatening

•  having a hostile or deliberately frightening quality or manner.

•  (of behavior) showing an intention to cause bodily harm.

•  (of a person or situation) causing someone to feel vulnerable or at risk.

If you feel threatened or witness someone being threatened you need to contact the Security Officer, Librarian in Charge or Supervisor immediately. 

Know this policy and be confident in enforcing it!

 Knowledge = Confidence

Knowing The Policy Series - refusal to leave library property when instructed to do so;

Do you know Rowan Public Library's

 Disruptive Behavior Policy Statement???

For the next coming weeks I will be highlighting them on the Security Tips Blog.

Any comments or questions you may have you can email me at:

tara.greene@rowancountync.gov

19. Knowing The Policy Series - refusal to leave library property when instructed to do so;

Refuse - indicate or show that one is not willing to do something.

The Security Officer, Librarian in Charge or Supervisor should be involved, if any situation comes up that involves a patron being asked to leave the library.

The police should be called if the patron refuses to leave.

Know this policy and be confident in enforcing it!

 Knowledge = Confidence

Knowing The Policy Series - providing false information to staff or police in regards to identity when requested;

Do you know Rowan Public Library's

 Disruptive Behavior Policy Statement???

For the next coming weeks I will be highlighting them on 
the Security Tips Blog.

Any comments or questions you may have you can email me at:

tara.greene@rowancountync.gov

18. providing false information to staff or police in regards to identity when requested; 
                           

Patrons need their card, ID, or we need to have their picture in the computer to be able to check out. Juveniles may check out as long as they can verify their birth date and name but we prefer library cards. Parents need to have child's card to check out if the child is not present.

To check out using someone else's library account - patron must have the physical library card in hand!

Violations of this policy 

If a patron refuses to give there name and information.

If a patron gives you someone else's name or information.

If this happens contact the Security Officer, Librarian in Charge, or Supervisor.

A patron could be banned if they violate this policy.

Know this policy and be confident in enforcing it!

 Knowledge = Confidence

Knowing The Policy Series - committing a criminal act on library property:

Do you know Rowan Public Library's

 Disruptive Behavior Policy Statement???

For the next coming weeks I will be highlighting them on the Security Tips Blog.

Any comments or questions you may have you can email me at:

tara.greene@rowancountync.gov

17. Knowing The Policy Series - committing a criminal act on library property;

Criminal Act - An act committed in violation of law where the consequence of conviction by a court is punishment, especially where the punishment is serious one such as imprisonment.

If you witness a patron committing a Criminal Act inform the Security Officer, Librarian In Charge, or Supervisor about the situation, and the police should be called.

Remember if you are a witness you must feel out an incident report!

Know this policy and be confident in enforcing it!

 Knowledge = Confidence

Knowing The Policy Series - use of library telephone by any person other that library personnel, unless approved;

Do you know Rowan Public Library's

 Disruptive Behavior Policy Statement???

For the next coming weeks I will be highlighting them on 
the Security Tips Blog.

Any comments or questions you may have you can email me at:

tara.greene@rowancountync.gov

16. Knowing The Policy Series - use of library telephone by any person other that library personnel, unless approved;

Patrons can use RPL phones to call for a ride!

Only children ages 17 or under are allowed to make phone calls from the Children's Department.

All adults must ask to use the phone at the Reference Desk to make a phone call for a ride.

Make it clear to the patron that the phone is a business line and it must be a brief phone call.

Do not allow the patrons to walk away from the desk with the cordless phone. 

Exceptions are made, but only if permitted!
 

Know this policy and be confident in enforcing it!

 Knowledge = Confidence

Knowing The Policy Series - bringing animals, other than lead dogs, into the building

Do you know Rowan Public Library's

 Disruptive Behavior Policy Statement???

For the next coming weeks I will be highlighting them on 
the Security Tips Blog.

Any comments or questions you may have you can email me at:

tara.greene@rowancountync.gov

15. Knowing The Policy Series - bringing animals, other than lead dogs, into the building;

Service Animals

The only species of service animal recognized under Title
II and Title III of the ADA are dogs and miniature horses. 

You may ask a patron two questions: 
(1) whether a service animal is required because of a disability, and
(2) what work or task has the animal been trained to perform.

Federal regulations have narrowed the definition of a “service animal” to mean ”any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.”

The type of work or task a service animal performs must be related to the handler’s disability to be a service animal.

Under the revised ADA regulations, emotional support, well-being, comfort, companionship, or deterrence of criminal activity do not constitute work or tasks for the purposes of qualifying an
animal as a service animal.

There is no rule under the ADA that service animals must be registered or certified to be an official service animal. You cannot request any documentation (e.g. proof of certification,training, licensure, identification card, or registration) to prove that it is a service animal.

Below is a link that shares more information about service animals: 

http://www.disabilityrightsnc.org/sites/default/files/SelfAdvocacyPacket-Service%20AnimalsADA.pdf

Exceptions are made, but only if permitted by management!

Know this policy and be confident in enforcing it!

 Knowledge = Confidence

Knowing The Policy Series - Rearranging of any library furniture, or equipment from one location to another, except in meeting rooms;

Do you know Rowan Public Library's

 Disruptive Behavior Policy Statement???

For the next coming weeks I will be highlighting them on the Security Tips Blog.

Any comments or questions you may have you can email me at:

tara.greene@rowancountync.gov

14. rearranging of any library furniture, or equipment from one location to another, except in meeting rooms;

Some examples: moving computer screens, moving chairs from the study desk, moving study tables together;

Exceptions are made, but only if permitted!

Know this policy and be confident in enforcing it!

 Knowledge = Confidence

Knowing The Policy Series - removal of any library property from the building without authorization through established lending procedures;

Do you know Rowan Public Library's

 Disruptive Behavior Policy Statement???

For the next coming weeks I will be highlighting them on the Security Tips Blog.

Any comments or questions you may have you can email me at:

tara.greene@rowancountync.gov

13. removal of any library property from the building without authorization through established lending procedures;

If anyone leaves the library with any library property without authorization by checking out, purchasing or going through management would be consider as stealing.

Know this policy and be confident in enforcing it!

 Knowledge = Confidence

Knowing The Policy Series - destruction of, or damage to any library property;

Do you know Rowan Public Library's

 Disruptive Behavior Policy Statement???

For the next coming weeks I will be highlighting them on the Security Tips Blog.

Any comments or questions you may have you can email me at:

tara.greene@rowancountync.gov

12. destruction of, or damage to any library property;

If you witness a patron damaging library property immediately contact the Security Officer, Librarian In Charge or Supervisor.

If a patron has damaged a book they have borrowed use circulation procedure to handle the issue.

Know this policy and be confident in enforcing it!

 Knowledge = Confidence

Knowing The Policy Series - distribution of leaflets, or posting of notices without authorization;

Do you know Rowan Public Library's

 Disruptive Behavior Policy Statement???

For the next coming weeks I will be highlighting them on 
the Security Tips Blog.

Any comments or questions you may have you can email me at:

tara.greene@rowancountync.gov

11. distribution of leaflets, or posting of notices without authorization;

All postings and leaflets must be approved. 
Learn who at your branch is in charge of approving notices. 

Know this policy and be confident in enforcing it!

 Knowledge = Confidence

Knowing The Policy Series - soliciting, or selling of any kind, except for library-related fundraising events;

Do you know Rowan Public Library's

 Disruptive Behavior Policy Statement???

For the next coming weeks I will be highlighting them on the Security Tips Blog.

Any comments or questions you may have you can email me at:

tara.greene@rowancountync.gov

10.  soliciting, or selling of any kind, except for library-related fundraising events;

        

Solicit - ask for or try to obtain (something) from someone.

Some Soliciting examples: handing out religious pamphlets, asking for money, asking for a cigarette, asking for donations

Patrons cannot sale things on library property.

Some Examples: Girl Scout cookies, school fundraisers, 

Church fundraisers (any fundraisers), raffles of any kind,

BBQ chicken plates

       

Know this policy and be confident in enforcing it!

 Knowledge = Confidence

Knowing The Policy Series - Consumption of food, except in designated areas;

Do you know Rowan Public Library's

 Disruptive Behavior Policy Statement???

For the next coming weeks I will be highlighting them on the Security Tips Blog.

Any comments or questions you may have you can email me at:

tara.greene@rowancountync.gov

9. Consumption of food, except in designated areas;

Food is allowed in the meeting rooms and outside areas.  If you witness a patron eating elsewhere in the library, approach the patron and say, "Excuse me, but you probably didn't know that food isn't allowed inside the library."

This policy is one of the most broken policies we have,
and applies to staff as well. It is very important we set an example of how we want patrons to act. We can't expect patrons to know we have a no food policy if they see staff eating food!

Know this policy and be confident in enforcing it!

 Knowledge = Confidence

Knowing The Policy Series - Consumption of alcoholic beverages;

Do you know Rowan Public Library's

 Disruptive Behavior Policy Statement???

For the next coming weeks I will be highlighting them on 
the Security Tips Blog.

Any comments or questions you may have you can email me at:

tara.greene@rowancountync.gov

8. Consumption of alcoholic beverages;

Alcohol is not allowed on library property.

You can not be intoxicated and be on library property.

If you smell alcohol on a patron or feel like they are under the influence, observe the patron and inform the Security Officer, Librarian In Charge, or Supervisor about the situation.  
The patron should be informed about the policy and ask to leave the property. Let them know they are welcomed to come back when they are not under the influence.

If they continue to break this policy they will be banned from the Library.

Know this policy and be confident in enforcing it!

 Knowledge = Confidence

Knowing The Policy Series - No smoking , or the use of any tobacco product;

Do you know Rowan Public Library's

 Disruptive Behavior Policy Statement???

For the next coming weeks I will be highlighting them on the Security Tips Blog.

Any comments or questions you may have you can email me at:

tara.greene@rowancountync.gov

7.  No smoking , or the use of any tobacco product;

If you witness anyone smoking on library property inform them of our policy. Let the patron know they will have to step off the property if they want to continue to smoke. This includes electronic cigarettes!

If you witness anyone walking around chewing tobacco or dip, spitting in a bottle or cup inform them of our policy. Let the patron know they will have to step off property if they want to continue to use the tobacco product.

Know this policy and be confident in enforcing it!

 Knowledge = Confidence

Knowing The Policy Series - Carrying unauthorized weapons of any sort;

Do you know Rowan Public Library's

 Disruptive Behavior Policy Statement???

For the next coming weeks I will be highlighting them on the Security Tips Blog.

Any comments or questions you may have you can email me at:

tara.greene@rowancountync.gov

6. Carrying unauthorized weapons of any sort;

This policy has changed a little bit due to the allowance of carrying a concealed handgun on Rowan County Properties.

Clink on the link below to see the "Do's and Don'ts of carrying a concealed handgun"
https://www.rowancountync.gov/GOVERNMENT/Departments/SheriffsOffice/HandgunPermits.aspx

Concealed Carry Permit Holders cannot be in an area where School Groups are present while at the Library!

Examples of some Unauthorized Weapons

Dagger

                Ballistic Knife

Sling Shot

Bowie Knife

                                     

Metallic or Brass Knuckles

Shuriken

Stun Gun

                                                                         
 

Pocket Knives are allowed;  Pocket knife is defined as being “a small knife, that is designed to be carried in a pocket or purse, which has its cutting edge and point entirely enclosed by its handle." 

If you witness a patron with an unauthorized weapon informed them that they will have to remove it from the Library because it’s against policy to have unauthorized weapons on Library property. If they do not comply call the police!

Know this policy and be confident in enforcing it!

 Knowledge = Confidence

Knowing The Policy Series - following, or other harassing behavior, such as staring, or other intimidating acts

Do you know Rowan Public Library's

 Disruptive Behavior Policy Statement???

For the next coming weeks I will be highlighting them on the Security Tips Blog.

Any comments or questions you may have you can email me at:

tara.greene@rowancountync.gov

4. following a person around the building, or other harassing behavior, such as staring, or other intimidating acts;

No one should feel uncomfortable at the library.

Following - If you notice a patron following staff or other patrons, one way to handle the situation is to go up to the person and ask if they need any help. This will let the patron know that you are aware of there presence. If they still continue to follow the person around let them know that you having been watching them and its against our policy to follow anyone, they will have to stop or leave and if they don't stop the police will be called.

Staring or Glaring - Sometimes all it takes is for you to step in front of the person being stared at and stare back at the offender to let them know that you are watching them. If the patron continues to stare, let them know what they are doing is against our policy.

And if they continued to stare or glare, let them know that you will call the police.

Intimidation - to fill with fear.

Know this policy and be confident in enforcing it!

 Knowledge = Confidence

Knowing The Policy Series - Engaging in disorderly conduct, committing a nuisance, or disturbing and offending library users

 Do you know Rowan Public Library's

 Disruptive Behavior Policy Statement???

For the next coming weeks I will be highlighting them on the Security Tips Blog.

Any comments or questions you may have you can email me at:

tara.greene@rowancountync.gov

5. Engaging in disorderly conduct, committing a nuisance, or disturbing and offending library users; 

Disorderly conduct

• Engages in fighting or other violent conduct or in conduct creating the threat of imminent fighting or other violence.
• Makes unreasonable noise and continues to do so after being asked to stop:
• Public intoxication, fighting, public masturbation

Nuisance

• A person, thing, or circumstance causing inconvenience or annoyance.

Disturbing

• To interfere with, interrupt;
• Causing distress or worry; upsetting or unsettling. 

Offend

• to cause (a person or group) to feel hurt, angry, or upset by something said or done.

• to do wrong : to be against what people believe is acceptable or proper
• to be unpleasant to (someone or something)

EXAMPLES


If you see a young adult or adult sitting on someone's lap, ask them to use another chair.  If they do not comply, ask them again and inform them if they do not comply, they will be ask to leave the library. 

If you or anyone witness patrons making out, inform the patrons that their behavior is inappropriate, if they do not comply asked them again and inform them if they do not comply they will be ask to leave the library.

WHEN TO CALL THE POLICE
If a patron comes into the library intoxicated, ask them to leave.  If patron does not comply, notify the Security Officer, Librarian in Charge, or Supervisor and they should call the police.

If patrons are verbally fighting on Library property, tell them to stop being disruptive or they must leave.  If they continue, call the police.

If patrons are physically fighting on Library property, do not get involved.  Call the police immediately.

If you or anyone witnesses a patron masturbating on Library property, notify the Security Officer, Librarian in Charge, or Supervisor and they should call the police.

If you or anyone witness a patron indecently exposing themselves, notify the Security Officer, Librarian in Charge, or Supervisor and they should call the police.

If you or anyone witness anyone having sex on Library property notify the Security Officer, Librarian in Charge or Supervisor and they should call the police.

When these issues come up always get the Security Officer, Librarian in Charge or Supervisor and let them handle the situation. 


Remember to always feel out an incident report!

Know this policy and be confident in enforcing it!

 Knowledge = Confidence

Knowing The Policy Series - Blocking, or in any way interfering with free movement of any person;

 Do you know Rowan Public Library's

 Disruptive Behavior Policy Statement???

For the next coming weeks I will be highlighting them on the Security Tips Blog.

Any comments or questions you may have you can email me at:

tara.greene@rowancountync.gov

3.  Blocking, or in any way interfering with free movement of any person;

Here are some examples on how to handle if someone is violating this policy:

If you see that a patron is trying to keep someone from leaving by standing in their way, it is a violation of this policy. Ask the patron to step aside and allow the patron to move freely and inform them of the policy and if they continue the police will be called.

If a patron complains to you that someone was trying to block them from moving freely, find out who they are and inform them of the policy and if they continue the police will be called.

If a patron is sitting in the middle of the aisle and appears to be setting up camp and this is preventing someone from walking through, it is a violation of this policy. Offer an alternative area where the patron can hang out.

If a patron has placed their belongings in the area that prevents anyone from walking through the isles, this is a violation of this policy. Politely ask the patron to move their belongings to a more appropriate area. 

Patrons sitting on stairs is another example of blocking ones movement.

Know this policy and be confident in enforcing it!

 Knowledge = Confidence

Knowing The Policy Series - Obscene, or Abusive language, or Gestures;

 Do you know Rowan Public Library's

 Disruptive Behavior Policy Statement???

For the next coming weeks I will be highlighting them on the Security Tips Blog.

Any comments or questions you may have you can email me at:

tara.greene@rowancountync.gov

2. Obscene, or Abusive language, or Gestures;

obscene language - 1. offensive to morality or decency; indecent:  2. intended to stimulate sexual appetite or lust; lewd:                        
abusive language - using, containing, or characterized by harshly or coarsely insulting language:  
gesture - is a movement or position of the body, especially of the hands or arms, that is considered exceedingly offensive or vulgar language

If you witness someone violating this policy, let them know that Rowan Public Library does not condone this behavior.

If a patron is on library property cursing out loud, approach the patron and ask them not to use obscene or abusive language while on library property (whether inside or out).

If a patron is using abusive language towards someone including staff again, let them know that the library does not tolerate this kind of behavior and that if he or she does not comply, they will be asked to leave.


If the patron does not stop, ask them to leave the library!


If the patron continues, let them know that this is their final warning and if they do not leave, you will call the police.


If you're still having an issue, call the police:
Salisbury: 704-638-5333
China Grove: 704-857-7755
Rockwell: 704-279-3420

Know this policy and be confident in enforcing it!

 Knowledge = Confidence