we are better together

Risk Assessment Teams

Christine L. Peterson, CPP, ISP Security Program Development, Workplace Violence

We’ve all heard the saying “necessity is the mother of invention” (or innovation). That is absolutely true today. During COVID-19, we have not seen a big shift in how businesses are set up. What we are starting to see is a major shift in multi-disciplined teams working together. As someone who has helped companies develop multi-disciplined risk assessment teams, I …

coronavirus COVID-19

Workplace Violence and Coronavirus Disease

Christine L. Peterson, CPP, ISP News, Workplace Violence

We’re beginning to realize that coronavirus disease, COVID-19, will be an event burned into our minds and hearts for generations.  Employees are not receiving paychecks, and unemployment benefits are lagging behind the need. Families, companies, and governments are being pushed to historic limits. When reality finally sets in, there are going to be reactions, including an increase in workplace violence. …

article on door barricade devices

Effective Security Requires Thoughtful Decisions

Christine L. Peterson, CPP, ISP News, Security Assessment, Security Master Planning

In her Editor’s Note published in the January/February 2020 Campus Safety magazine, Robin Hattersley reminds us all of the power of seeking professional advice when lives are at stake. Would you go to a pharmaceutical company to advise you about health concerns that you have? Would you invest in health equipment based on a good sales pitch? Why should effective …

spectrum of workplace violence

Workplace Violence – What You Permit, You Promote

Christine L. Peterson, CPP, ISP Workplace Violence

Why are we so surprised by workplace violence when we are willing to accept these unacceptable behaviors from our leaders? Is it possible that the key underlying issue is much bigger than the sum of all of these things? Let’s consider the effects of the internet, social media, 24-hour news, and other factors. For instance, there are wide-spread examples of …

trained response and untrained response graphic

Training to Respond to Workplace Violence

Christine L. Peterson, CPP, ISP Training, Workplace Violence

Last month I wrote about the importance of training as a security tool to support best outcomes in a security event. That post specifically addressed workplace violence and active shooters. Today I want to discuss two things: Our bodies are created for preservation and survival – knowing how it might affect us is important for our wellbeing and best outcomes. …

Workplace Violence Gets Personal

Christine L. Peterson, CPP, ISP Training, Workplace Violence

Last night I had the opportunity to address the Raleigh Financial Executive Networking Group (FENG) and lead a presentation on Managing Aggressive Behavior & Workplace Violence (workplace violence). This particular opportunity to train industry leaders was especially meaningful to me as I was giving thanks for the safety of one of my nieces. She attends STEM School Highlands Ranch where …

Campus Safety Article

Campus Security: Parents So Concerned They Are Willing to Pay for It Themselves

Christine L. Peterson, CPP, ISP News, Security Program Development, Workplace Violence

Campus security and safety of students, faculty, staff and infrastructure should be a foregone conclusion. Unfortunately, it is not. Campus Safety recently published an article entitled Parents So Concerned about School Safety They Are Willing to Pay for It Themselves. You can read the entire article here. Active Shooter Events Time and again we are horrified by active shooter events targeting …

PBS News Hour Article

Security Clearance Checks for Federal Government to be Handled by Federal Government

Christine L. Peterson, CPP, ISP Background Investigation, News

At the moment, this only applies to background investigations involving military and civilian employees and contractors for Defense Department. These security clearance checks represent the largest portion of OPM’s current workload and backlog. As a security company that provides background screening services, we are watching this in the hopes that it will support better automation, accuracy, and resources for all …

OIG guide for audits

Possible Clery Act Compliance “Game Changer”

Christine L. Peterson, CPP, ISP Compliance, News

Clery Act Compliance “Game Changer”– What Is It? Why Does It Matter? Security professionals inherently know the steps to make a case – one thing leads to another and then connect the dots. At colleges and universities, security leadership is acutely aware that they play a large role in Clery Act compliance. They also understand that an investigation by ED …

Higher Education Clery Act

Clery Act Changes: Challenges Facing Higher Education

Christine L. Peterson, CPP, ISP Compliance, News

The primary role of an institution of higher learning is to educate, and their greatest asset is their reputation. Government entities and donors generate a significant portion of an institution’s revenue. Non-compliance jeopardizes this revenue. How can it be reasonable that Clery Act and Title IX compliance is so lacking in resources and emphasis? Some of the answers, if not …