There is much controversy about conducting background checks before someone is allowed to purchase a firearm. There is controversy as well about workplace violence and conducting the type of employment screening that will filter out the undesirable job applicants. My first thought is background checks can be of great value. My second thought is there is a first time for everything and therefore even the most intensive employment screening program will not stop certain employees from acting out violently in the workplace.
Take the case in the Los Angeles Times where a young man in training for security positions leaves his class, returns a few minutes later, carrying a gun, and opens fire. The trainee, the suspect, allegedly kills his instructor. Thirteen people are standing dumbfounded and frightened in the middle of the classroom. When he is finished shooting, the article reports he dropped the gun and walked out of the classroom. When the police caught up with him, somewhere outside the building, the suspect finished his cigarette and then surrendered.
So what is that about? And yet we can be sure we will see similar incidents. We have no idea how certain people are wired, and why workplace violence becomes their means of expression. Sometimes, we just take stock and move on, trying to do the best we can.
