The human component of an integrated security plan can be in one or more of several forms. These forms become choices that need to be addressed depending on the mission, environment, culture, population, and security philosophy of the organization and specifically the site to be protected. In this context, the term “armed” is intended to mean “equipped with firearms and …
I went to a local big box store and pulled into the parking lot at about 6:30pm – not too late in the evening but after dark in the winter. As I was parking I received a phone call, so I sat in my car to complete the call. While on the phone it occurred to me how dark the …
Most hotel locks use a card rather than a key, and in recent months this is presenting a big problem. A low-cost piece of hardware called a microcontroller can make for a simple hack and easy burglary with no signs of forced door or picked lock. See the story here. The up side for hotels to use keycards instead of …
I was working on a background investigation for a client recently, and I was reminded of a valuable lesson. (By the way, names and identifying information have been edited in this story, but the circumstances and situations have not.) When we verify employment, normally companies only provide dates of employment and position held. Sometimes companies will tell you whether the …
As integrated security systems become more prevalent within the corporate, healthcare and government industries, security directors and mangers rely more heavily on their security integrator to verify that all systems work together properly, seamlessly, and as designed. Once an installation has been completed by the integration company, it is recommended that a third-party commission the entire system. This step is …
Without knowing the complete picture about the incident at Clackamas Shopping Center in Oregon, what can we learn? It’s a reminder of the importance of being aware of your surroundings. People shouldn’t live in fear but instead think in terms of being prepared. Two things we should all consider anywhere we visit are: “where can I take shelter?” and “how …
What concerns me is how individuals will leave GPS, phones, iPods, purses, money, and other items of value in their cars – in plain view. They may say, “well, I don’t have anything in my purse” or “my GPS is old.” Someone just walking by your car does not know that the purse may be empty or the GPS may …
Sextortion refers to the category of sexual exploitation in which threatened release of sexual images or information is the means of coercion (Source: Wikipedia). In recent months, we have been hired to assist clients who have made the mistake of hitting the send button and wishing there was some way to “get that photo back.” These cases normally involve men …
As most of us know, an access card or credential is a key to gain entry to a parking lot, building, or other secured space. Why then do so many people leave their card in their car after work? Some even hang them from their mirror. When I ask, the response I usually get is “it is more convenient and …
Weather-related emergencies create an operational environment in which the security department may have to stand alone for minutes, hours, or days without significant assistance from outside agencies. Although relatively localized on a broad geographic scale, a weather emergency may affect everyone and everything in a specific area. The scope of such disasters often overwhelms public safety response for hours or …