September 17 through 23 marks the third annual National Security Officer Appreciation Week. This month is also recognized as National Preparedness Month and Security Professionals play a major role in keeping our communities and businesses safe and secure. 

Allied Universal is committed to advancing the lives and careers of those in the communities we serve. Our relationships with our employees and our clients are at the heart of everything we do, each and every day.
 

The attack at Manchester Arena in May 2017 underlies the importance of stringent security throughout public areas of your sports or entertainment venue. A suicide bomber targeted crowds during egress, avoiding any security checkpoints. The attack resulted in 22 casualties and 119 injuries. Security in public areas surrounding your venue can present a huge challenge, but there are efficient steps to take.

In time for National Campus Safety Awareness Month this September, Allied Universal, in partnership with Clery Center, a leading national, non-profit training and policy organization dedicated to creating safer campus communities, is unveiling a series of video-based roll call training tools for campus public safety personnel.
 

A catastrophic event will put your people and property at risk, and can be detrimental to your brand. While organizational leaders invest a significant amount of time, money and resources to make their ventures a success, few businesses plan for disaster scenarios. Weather emergencies alone pose a significant risk. According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, in 2015 there were 10 weather and climate disaster events with losses exceeding $1 billion each across the United States.

The convergence of technology with traditional guarding services is heating up—in a good way. Paired together, the two can deliver greater security results and maximum budgetary efficiencies. 

Think, the Internet of Things—the interconnectivity of physical devices, vehicles, buildings, and other items with electronics, software, and sensors to make environments smarter and more effective.

At the outset, our mission was clear: Allied Universal provides unparalleled service, systems and solutions to serve, secure and care for the people and businesses of our communities. We put our relationships with our employees and clients at the heart of everything we do each and every day.
 

Doctors and attorneys attain it. Accountants have it. It’s the stamp of approval that deems professionals highly qualified, knowledgeable and experienced to practice their craft to the best of their ability. They are certified.
 

Active Shooter incidents are statistically rare, but devastating events (low probability-high consequence). They can be the end point of a long progression along the workplace violence continuum and should be integrated into the organization’s overall violence prevention posture.
 

Over the past few years, significant terrorist activity occurred throughout the world. New tactics and patterns affected the global threat spectrum. “Soft” public gathering areas, such as transportation hubs, were frequently targeted. Online propaganda by terrorist groups inspired lone-wolf actors. Terrorist cells perpetrated simultaneous, coordinated attacks designed to disperse first responders. Homemade and low explosives served as the weapon of choice for hostile actors. It is critical that your security program address these new and evolving threats.