61
Copyright © 2020, City of Glasgow College
Building Occupation by Protesters
Action
If a threat is received:
• Notify senior management/ Security.
• Notify Reception to be especially vigilant.
• Notify Police.
• Decide on safest course of action, ideally in consultation with Emergency Services,
including the safest exit from the building to use. Note - that some staff may wish to
leave the building irrespective of a decision to stay.
• If possible, brief staff - see staff actions below.
• Consider evacuating the building to minimise contact between staff and protesters.
Note - in previous protests the fire alarm has been activated by protesters.
• All to clear desks and lock files/ cabinets/ computers away.
• If there is time, warn other stakeholders in your building.
• Monitor the incident as time progresses and record if appropriate.
• Decide if other parts of your organisation may also be targeted and warn them.
At close of incident:
• If an evacuation has taken place - before the building can be reoccupied the area
must be checked as being safe and free from foreign objects/ broken glass/
contaminants and any further threat.
• Complete an incident report.
• Review this procedure and amend as necessary.
If an employee is involved in an incident of this nature, they should:
• Call and brief management immediately.
• Follow instructions from management/ the Emergency Services regarding the safest
course of action.
• Clear desk and lock away files/ cabinets - close down computers.
• Have personal valuables to hand should evacuation be required.
• Be prepared to evacuate the building for a considerable period.
In event of contact with protesters:
• Staff are strongly advised: do not tackle any protester either verbally or physically
• Apart from asking protesters to leave, staff are advised not to have any dialogue with
protesters.
• After the event - evidence may be required - note who does what.
• Staff not to antagonise protesters or try to remove them - leave that to the appropriate
authority.
Remember - in an incident the safety of people is paramount -
if in doubt, leave the building