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What do you think of when you think about a security officer? Is your perception tainted by Hollywood which generally paints security officers as comedic caricatures with delusions of grandeur? Do you think of security officers as “wannabe cops” who have no career path? If your answers are affirmative, I ask you to push aside these dated and inaccurate perceptions about security officers and learn what is truly involved in this critically important profession today. 
 

The tightening labor market is good for our economy. The more Americans with jobs, the better. 

But how does the current state of the labor market influence your hiring practices? As the pool of unemployed job candidates shrinks, how do you ensure that you are attracting quality personnel?

As the healthcare industry constantly evolves, every component of operational support must evolve as well. Security is one critical area that must strive to keep pace with industry changes, stay current with regulatory compliance mandates and utilize data to stay ahead of the curve. When intelligence is culled, analyzed and viewed as a source of continuous improvement, proactive security programs are the result. 
 

Economic realities have forced many communities to reassess public safety resources. This climate has forced some local, county and state law enforcement agencies to slash budgets, creating less manpower and the need for alternative solutions. To remedy the burden, some police departments have established a cohesive partnership with a local contract security services provider. This relationship can progress in a variety of ways, but as with any relationship, all involved need a mutual understanding of roles and benefits.

World leaders gathered at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, in early 2014 predicted that civil unrest and violent protests would be the greatest risk to businesses and communities in the year ahead. True to their prediction, events in Ferguson, New York City, Hong Kong, Baltimore and cities around the world captured recent headlines and continue to demonstrate the increased power of groups, crowds and mobs now enabled by social media and real-time communications. 
 

For building owners and managers, readiness is essential. While there are a range of situations to prepare for, terrorism and civil unrest are often top of mind. However, creating plans to address the unpredictable may seem like a daunting task. BOMA International’s longstanding partnerships and insightful resources can guide you in starting or enhancing your preparedness plans.

The safety and security cultures that we all work so hard to instill in our workplaces are critical. That dedication, and those carefully planned strategies, should not end when the work day does. Are you also planning for safety and security at home? Are your employees? 
 

The adage that security officers are on patrol to “detect, deter, observe and report” is enriched today with a new world order of security officers who also welcome as they protect. Balancing security with customer care creates a secure and inviting environment that is desirable in many settings.
 

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.