Healthy Workplace

A sheriff's deputy in Collier County, Florida, was caught on tape zapping a female colleague with a Taser. Authorities reprimanded the deputy for the December incident. Officials say he told investigators it was "a spur of the moment thing."

Among law enforcement types who abuse their authority, many have a history... Want to bet the deputy was a bully in school?

Not all of it is sexual, but harassment in the workplace exploits differences in power and status... As if the pattern of school bullying which has dominated the headlines in recent weeks, is repeated after the bullies leave school and get jobs.

According to the Workplace Bullying Institute, almost half of all American workers have either suffered workplace bullying themselves or been vicariously distressed by witnessing it. 17 states have tried to make it easier for employees to sue over workplace bullying, but there are still no federal laws in place.

Dr. Emelisa Aleandri had an experience as the target of a workplace bully — and fought back in a case that was settled for $1.4 million in 2005. And Justin Jones-Fosu, leadership trainer and radio, offers tips for others who are being bullied at work.

Audio: PRI & WNYC's program The Takeaway 4/13/10, Hosts" John Hockenberry & Celeste Headlee.