The year 2017 has been a banner one for physical security with the advent of increasingly sophisticated technology to manage threats. As we approach 2018, the field widens with regard to solutions that will expand the capability of security teams seeking ways to shore up their risk exposure and expand situational intelligence. Here’s a recap of milestones and areas we see as important in the new year.

 

More and more schools, universities and hospitals committed to ensuring their campuses and communities are safe, are looking to align with contract security partners who can provide efficient and effective security solutions while reducing overall labor costs. How can these institutions ensure maximum priority for safety and security while managing restrictive budgets? Integrating video analytics into the security officers’ response tool-sets enables hospitals, colleges and universities to be more proactive, preventive and strategic.

 

When I hear the term “security guard” used in popular culture, why does it personally elicit a reaction of disappointment for me? As Chief Administrative Officer for America’s largest security firm, how our security professionals are perceived is part of my job. Words have the ability to shape our perception, and when I hear the term “security guard,” I feel  that the important role our security professionals play is diminished.

It’s a tradition to express gratitude during Thanksgiving time, whether you visit family and friends, enjoy a prepared meal at home or your favorite restaurant, or simply spend the day watching football.

Men and women who have served in the military are an integral part of Allied Universal. Since 2013, the company has hired over 25,000 veterans.

As the air cargo and aviation sectors continue to be a top target for terrorists, the use of Explosive Detection Canine (EDC) teams remains an effective and efficient tool. To address the growing need, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has long considered initiating a privatized canine program (3PK9). This program would allow for EDC teams, owned, operated and trained by the private sector and validated by the agency, to screen cargo as part of the Certified Cargo Screening Program (CCSP). Today, this program is closer than it has ever been to becoming a reality.

No organization or geographic area is immune from extreme violence. Having an Active Shooter Response Plan is no longer enough. Organizations and institutions must be prepared for new attack methods by developing policies, plans, procedures and exercises aligned with today’s realities.

Safety and security on a college or university campus is critical. The right blend of resources can create a dynamic security program that helps campus community members feel safer, deter crime, improve safety awareness and control costs.

New information has been released regarding the investigation into the mass shooting that occurred in Las Vegas, Nevada on October 1. Authorities now believe that Stephen Paddock had intended to escape after the attack, but he instead turned the gun on himself before authorities could breach his room. In addition, a note was found in Paddock’s hotel room which contained hand-written calculations on bullet trajectories. The calculations provided Paddock with information about where he needed to aim to improve his accuracy and identify the precise distance of his targets.