The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) provides comprehensive services to survivors and those impacted by domestic violence. The SIU also provides wide-ranging assistance on workplace conflict or workplace violence situations.

Domestic Violence

The SIU provides the following victim’s/survivor’s assistance services:

  • Consultation with anyone requesting assistance relating to domestic violence
  • Comprehensive threat assessments on the perpetrator
  • Security and safety assessments for the workplace and home
  • Development of appropriate, customized safety plans
  • Education on the court process within the victim’s/survivor’s jurisdiction
  • Assistance in filing for a restraining order (209A) and/or criminal charges

Workplace Conflict and Violence

Workplace violence can be defined as “any behavior which creates a work environment that a reasonable person would find intimidating, threatening, violent, or abusive, regardless of whether the behavior may affect a person’s psychological or physical well being."

Some common symptoms of potentially violent behavior may include a cluster of the following:

  • Increased use of alcohol and/or illegal drugs
  • Unexplained increase in absenteeism
  • Decreased attention to appearance and hygiene
  • Outbursts of anger or rage without provocation
  • Depression/withdrawal
  • Frequent, vague physical complaints
  • Noticeably unstable emotional responses
  • Behavior which reflects paranoia
  • Talking about previous violent incidents
  • Increased mood swings
  • Inappropriate comments about other employees or situations
  • Resistance and overreaction to changes in policies and procedures
  • Increased unsolicited comments about firearms, weapons, violent crimes, etc.
  • Empathy with individuals committing violence
  • Physical injuries

An important step in preventing workplace conflict and violence is to recognize the symptoms and to take the necessary action by contacting one of the following:

  • Your supervisor
  • Employee Assistance Program at 617-726-6976
  • Police, Security and Outside Services at 617-726-2121

The SIU offers the following consulting services and actions for preventing and reacting to incidents of workplace violence:

  • Complete risk and threat assessment
  • Awareness and prevention training
  • Security patrols
  • Liaison with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies
  • Interviews of possible violent persons
  • Information and referral to EAP, HAVEN, Human Resources, Legal and Social Services
  • Arrests for violations of law and restraining orders
  • Comprehensive follow up investigations
  • Customized security plans
  • Physical security assessment of the workplace
  • Court assistance

You can contact members of the Special Investigations Unit at one of the following numbers:

  • Senior Manager of Investigations: 617-726-1474
  • Manager of Investigations and Intelligence: 617-724-0595
  • Investigator: 617-724-3838
  • Investigator: 617-724-3036