Entries by Andrew Ciccone

Crisis Planning: School Bus Security Protocols

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services –  School transportation officials are assessing school bus security and emergency planning as an important part of crisis planning. School bus drivers are the first and last school employees to see school children on a daily basis. Buses are simply extensions of our schools. Many school bus drivers have […]

There’s a big difference between crowd control – versus crowd management.

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services –  There is no federal law on crowd safety. But the National Fire Protection Association’s 101 Life Safety Code is considered the gold standard. Many of us remember the Who concert tragedy decades ago.  There’s a big difference between crowd control – or trying to keep people in designated […]

Grand Rapids Students found bringing guns into the school.

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services –  Several incidents at a Grand Rapids School report students bringing guns into the building. The School is considering how to mitigate the threat to the students while at the safe time protecting individuals privacy.  Safety has to be the primary consideration, protocol and policies need to be impactful […]

We shouldn’t have to go to work and risk our life while trying to save lives.

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services –  Chippenham Hospital has introduced mobile security patrols in parking areas and metal detector wands at entrances as part of a recent effort to buff security following a recent shooting. You expect to feel safe at the hospital, we need a level of confidence that the site is secure.  […]

Private Security Guards Have Become a Last Resort for Public Safety

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services –  The rampant and uncontrolled criminal activity throughout New York State. It’s unacceptable. Robberies are happening in broad daylight, smash-and-grabs, flash mobs, and criminals filling garbage bags with stolen goods are now common.  Eventually, businesses will be forced to shut down because they won’t be able to ensure the […]

Dutchess Security Guard Arrested for Selling Drugs to Homeless

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services –  Hudson River Housing Security Guard was arrested for selling cocaine at the shelter. This behavior is deplorable, clearly the screening process for hiring security staff needs to be looked at.  My firm thoroughly screens and trains our guards to uphold the mission and values of NEXGEN Protection Services, […]

Walgreens Security Guard Questionable Use of Force Confronting Shopper

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services –  Stores do have a legal right to defend themselves against loss, but there are appropriate ways security details use force. This security guard gives the private security industry a bad name and contributes to a perception of abuse of power. There must be accountability for situations like this.  […]

Leverage the latest technologies to mitigate the ever increasing lawlessness.

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services –  Retailers are in the business of selling products and assuring their employees and customers that their sales floor is safe and secure. It is critical for businesses to leverage the latest technologies available to mitigate the risk of ever increasing wanton violence, theft, and lawlessness for life safety […]

Firearms & Public Safety: Operational Guidelines & Procedures

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services –  Certain operational roles in public safety mandate the requirement for a lethal force response, issued in the form of a firearm. Depending on the role, the firearms are usually limited to smalls arms only in the form of handguns and long-arms. With the provision of firearms comes the […]

Security Patrol Details Help Deter Crimes From Occuring

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services –  Communities want peace of mind when they’re sleeping, many are hiring private security firms to patrol their neighborhood.  Security Patrol details help deter crimes from occuring.  Car thieves have become more brazen, as well, with cases where they have broken into people’s homes in order to steal car […]