Town updates workplace violence policy to replace code-word protocol with panic-button/911 procedure

The Town of DeWitt Town Board on May 12 approved an update to the town’s workplace violence policy that removes an internal code-word procedure and relies on emergency-response protocols involving panic buttons and 911.

Town Clerk Angela said the primary changes were to replace references to the town manager with the comptroller/human-resources roles and to remove an old safety-word system that previously instructed staff to call administration. “We still have the emergency buttons that people can push... we just call 911 or press one of the panic buttons,” Angela said, describing the revised practice.

Board members confirmed that all departments have mobile panic-button devices and some locations have hardwired panic buttons. The panic-button activation routes to 911, not to town administration, the clerk said. The board voted to adopt the revised policy.

Why it matters: The update changes how employees are instructed to summon emergency assistance and clarifies responsibility within the town’s administrative structure. Board members said they expect to pair this change with planned security upgrades to the building.

What’s next: The clerk will finalize the policy text, and departments will continue implementing panic-button coverage as security construction proceeds.