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. Whether or not to put security personnel in a distinctive uniform is one of …
How is your security? The following checklist illustrates the necessary aspects of security that must be addressed for a secure environment. Comply with and support your company’s safety and security program and regulations, and insist that others do the same. Protect wallets, keys, purses, and other personal valuables on the job. This especially includes smartphones and tablets. Challenge strangers in …
On January 22, 2013, gunshots were heard on the North Harris campus of Lone Star College System. It was later learned that an altercation between two individuals (one of whom may have been a student) had escalated to gun violence. The shooters were injured along with an innocent bystander. Incidents such as this immediately bring to mind topics such as …
In an ideal world, our schools, colleges, and universities would be immune from the threats and challenges that affect other businesses and institutions. Unfortunately, we do not live in an ideal world. Academic institutions are cross-sections of society and bear the same responsibilities for the safety and security of their populations and infrastructure. This cross-section brings with it all the …
When evaluating what security concern to address first, where do you begin? Consider the probability and criticality of an event, and assign values based on standard criteria. Probability 5 Almost certain. Barring major changes in circumstances, this event will occur or will occur frequently compared to other events. Or, historically, an event of this type has already occurred. 4 Very …
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 …
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 …
Emergency plans are for doing – not just for having. This recent verdict underlines an important discrepancy between the letter and intent of both the Clery requirements for campus warnings and emergency warning best practices and the way these procedures are implemented in reality in some crisis situations. No matter how comprehensive and well founded an emergency plan is or …
Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) announced that it would launch its own investigation into the now infamous Penn State football scandal. This investigation will focus on whether the university failed to comply with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act) – the federal law which, among other …