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Today the movie Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 debuts in theaters nationwide. It may be a movie that’s intended to make you laugh, but in reality security is a serious business for the thousands of security professionals assigned to malls and shopping centers across the country. As the challenges of today’s society continually evolve, so does the need for a security officer who not only protects the public from obvious dangers, but can also proactively monitor and detect suspicious behavior that could become a serious threat.

While audiences await the premiere of Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 starring Kevin James, the reality is that today’s security officer is a vital part of our homeland security and safety. As a representative of America’s leading physical security officer services company, I challenge Kevin James to work alongside genuine retail security officers for just one day. He will experience first-hand that his character, Paul Blart, is truly a comic strip figure who bears no similarity to the real world of mall security officers. 
 

Violent situations occur in the workplace every day. To best avoid escalating the potential for violence among hostile people, it’s helpful to understand the hostile/violent mind. Individuals who lash out often have low self-esteem that is covered up by acting superior to others. This can be accomplished by manipulating others, making threats, hostility, bullying, joining gangs,possession or use of weapons, etc.  
 

In 2011, our company commissioned a national workplace violence survey of Americans who work outside of the home. From the results, we were surprised to learn that according to employees, more than half of CEOs and Presidents are not concerned with workplace violence within their organization. This is interesting, especially since other survey results showed that 34 percent of American workers go to work each day worried about workplace violence.

Perception is reality. In the security industry, we must carefully gauge and nurture the perception of those around us to help ensure that we are meeting expectations, gaining support for enhancements and creating environments that feel as safe as they are. When stakeholders, be it employees, tenants, students, staff, patients, or shoppers, are engaged, their perception of security improves drastically.

Many companies, including major corporations, have a number of physical security programs but no specific executive protection strategy or program. In this blog, we address three questions that corporations need to ask when considering whether to set up an EP program.

A sizeable effort must be invested into your security RFP process. After proposals are received, vetting and qualifying providers that meet your every day and extraordinary requirements takes time, sound input and a real understanding of what and where your security needs exist. This is all based on your risk profile, incident experience, industry, brand, and many other factors. To achieve the maximum return, this process must extend beyond the planning and production. Careful proposal evaluation and interaction with quality providers is critical.

The request for proposal (RFP) process to select a security officer services provider helps an organization formalize the opportunity, effectively budget and identify quality providers. There are a number of key points to keep in mind to help you narrow the field.

Security officers often serve as the first and last impression of a residential community, complex or building. It is important that residents, their families and their guests feel safe, secure and welcome. Security officers trained specifically for residential properties understand the need for a careful balance when developing and maintaining a secure, yet friendly atmosphere.
 

The unpredictable nature of a crisis means organizations need a well-planned response when circumstances take a turn for the worse. Whether it’s a snow storm, a power outage, fire, act of terrorism, or protest, who will be there to step up and provide the support and leadership you need? There are many actions and protocols needed to guide you through an emergency. When the unexpected happens who will…