By Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services

In an age where threats can emerge suddenly and without warning, the ability to spot suspicious behavior and respond to active assailant situations is a critical skill for security professionals and frontline staff alike.

Early detection is often the key to prevention. Suspicious behavior doesn’t always look overtly threatening—it may come in the form of nervousness, loitering without purpose, unusual attire for the environment, or evasive behavior around surveillance or entry points. Recognizing these cues requires trained observation skills, situational awareness, and consistent engagement with the environment.

But identifying a potential threat is only half the equation.

Preparedness is protection.
Guarding against active assailants means having clearly defined emergency protocols, real-time communication channels, lockdown procedures, and trained personnel ready to act. Regular drills, access control systems, and coordinated response plans with local law enforcement can make all the difference when seconds count.

Security teams must operate not just as responders, but as preventers—observing, assessing, and de-escalating situations before they evolve into critical incidents.

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Source:

DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Releases Soft Target and Crowded Places Resource Guide (April 25, 1019). Security Magazine.