Law-Enforcement

New Framework for Law Enforcement to Make Ethical Decisions

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Frank Costa, President of NEXGEN Protection Services on Law Enforcement:

Europol released a new framework designed to help law enforcement make ethical decisions regarding the incorporation of new technologies into their work.

The framework is part of the report Assessing Technologies in Law Enforcement: A Method for Ethical Decision-Making, which provides a structured approach for evaluating new technology while ensuring the preservation of public trust and the protection of fundamental rights.

The goal of the framework is to ensure that the adoption and use of new technologies align with core values such as transparency, fairness, privacy, and accountability. By implementing this structured ethical framework, Europol aims to enhance public confidence in law enforcement’s use of technology, ensuring that innovation in policing aligns with societal values and legal safeguards.

The framework outlines steps to support law enforcement in making ethically sound decisions when using innovative technology. It encourages law enforcement agencies to ask the following four questions to assess the ethical appropriateness of technology:

  1. Consistency: Is the use of the technology always appropriate under similar conditions?
  2. Dignity: Does the technology usage demonstrate that law enforcement agencies are acting in the best interest of the people, rather than using their authority solely for other objectives?
  3. Public Acceptance: Would the use of this technology be acceptable to the public if it were made generally known?
  4. Accountability: Are the necessary competencies and resources in place to take responsibility for the use of the technology?

If the answer to any of these questions is “no,” Europol recommends rejecting or modifying the use of the technology in that specific case. If the answers are affirmative, Europol suggests law enforcement agencies evaluate the potential short-term and long-term consequences of using the technology. This step helps weigh the potential impacts on all parties involved and assess any biases that might arise.

Source:
Gates, M. (February 21, 2025). Europol Publishes Framework on Ethical Use of New Technology in Law Enforcement. Security Management Magazine.

 

Terrorist-Organizations

The Trump Administration Designates Several Cartels as Terrorist Organizations

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Frank Costa, President of NEXGEN Protection Services on Terrorist Organizations:

The Trump administration designated eight Latin American cartels as terrorist organizations on Thursday, a designation typically reserved for groups with political goals achieved through violence.

The U.S. Department of State filed the notice of the designation in The Federal Register on February 20. The action targets the following cartels:

  • Cartel del Golfo (CDG), also known as the Gulf Cartel and the Osiel Cárdenas-Guillén Organization
  • Cartel del Noreste (CDN), also known as the Northeast Cartel and Los Zetas
  • Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), also known as the Jalisco New Generation Cartel
  • Cartel de Sinaloa, also known as the Sinaloa Cartel, the Mexican Federation, and the Guadalajara Cartel
  • Carteles Unidos, also known as United Cartels, Tepalcatepec Cartel, Cartel de Tepalcatepec, the Grandfather Cartel, Cartel del Abuelo, and Cartel de Los Reyes
  • La Nueva Familia Michoacana (LNFM)
  • Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13)
  • Tren de Aragua (Aragua Train)

The eight cartels’ members are described as “foreign persons who have committed or attempted to commit, pose a significant risk of committing, or have participated in training to commit acts of terrorism that threaten the security of U.S. nationals or the national security, foreign policy, or economy of the United States,” according to the State Department filing.

Source:
Gates, M. (February 20, 2025). United States Designates 8 Cartels as Terrorist Organizations. Security Management Magazine.



Fraud-Schemes-Continue-to-Rise

Fraud Schemes Continue to Rise

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Frank Costa, President of NEXGEN Protections Services on Fraud Schemes:

Fraud remains a persistent problem that organizations continue to struggle with, including the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), one of the federal agencies tasked with addressing fraud schemes.

Below are some of the top fraud scams that affected individuals and organizations in 2024 and are likely to continue being a problem in 2025.

  1. Investment Scams
    This scam tactic has been around for ages. Fraudsters often present themselves with seemingly lucrative business opportunities that promise regular returns—if you invest immediately.
  2. Business Email Compromise (BEC)
    BEC schemes have been around since email was first introduced and typically occur in one of two ways, according to Schlereth.
    Fraudsters either spoof a legitimate email address or domain name, often adding an extra letter so the sender appears authentic at a quick glance. Alternatively, they may use social engineering to obtain an employee’s credentials and then log into the victim’s work email. CFOs and CEOs are particularly lucrative targets.
  3. Check Fraud
    What’s old is new again. Check fraud surged last year, especially after individuals posted videos on social media showing themselves writing bad checks, depositing them at ATMs, withdrawing cash before the check bounced, and sharing their behavior.
    “Fraudulently altered checks can cause significant losses to financial institutions and disrupt bank operations,” the report states. “Due to the nationwide surge in check fraud targeting U.S. mail, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued an alert urging financial institutions to be vigilant in identifying and reporting such activity.”
  4. Impersonation Fraud
    In this scam, criminals claim victims are suspects in financial crimes and threaten arrest or violence unless they pay the criminals. Additionally, fraudsters are impersonating customer service and tech support providers, often targeting individuals over 60 by phone. They claim that the victim’s computer has been compromised and needs immediate repair.

Source:
Gates, M. (February 1, 2025). Trend Alert: 4 Fraud Schemes to Watch in 2025. Security Management Magazine.

 

Security Protection

Executive Security Protection: Risks, Extremist Influencers, Shifting Tactics

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Frank Costa, President of NEXGEN Protection Services on Security Protection:

Concerns about executive safety remain high. Not only was UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson tragically killed in December 2024, but there have also been multiple other incidents involving threats against business executives. Additionally, social media influencers and other sources have incited calls for similar attacks.

High-level executives without an executive security protection (EP) team are increasingly vulnerable to becoming targets.

The heightened emotional climate surrounding politics and public figures has made executive protection more challenging—and more essential. Politically motivated threats were notably higher in 2024. More than 50 members of Congress were victims of swatting attacks, and 700 members had faced threats the previous month. (Many threats were not publicly reported, so they are not included in TorchStone’s official threat count.)

Tactics are also evolving. Threat incidents are now categorized as verbal or written threats, harassment, stalking, physical attacks, and other crimes, which may include financially motivated offenses such as robberies, home invasions, and property crimes.

Source:
Gates, M. (February 5, 2025). EP Trends: Residential Risks, Extremist Influencers, Shifting Tactics. Security Management Magazine.



Fraud-Detection-with-Video-Surveillance-Analytics.

Ways to Boost Fraud Detection with Video Surveillance & Analytics

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Frank Costa, President of NEXGEN Protections Services on Fraud Detection:

Fraud costs the financial sector billions of dollars each year. It’s a persistent challenge for banks globally, made more complex by increasingly sophisticated fraud tactics and methods.

To stay ahead of fraud, financial institutions must leverage every available tool to protect their customers and assets. One such tool is video surveillance and analytics. By integrating video technology with fraud detection systems, banks can gain real-time insights, spot patterns, and take a proactive approach to security. This not only helps detect fraud but also prevents it from escalating.

  1. Real-Time Fraud Alerts
    Fraud detection systems generate a massive amount of data, but not every alert indicates a genuine threat. Video surveillance adds a critical visual layer, helping differentiate between legitimate fraud and false alarms.
  2. License Plate Recognition
    Drive-up ATMs and tellers face unique security challenges, especially in suburban and rural areas. License Plate Recognition (LPR) technology, integrated with video systems, offers a powerful way to identify vehicles linked to fraudulent activities. This information can be used to flag repeat offenders or known fraudsters.
  3. Behavioral Analytics
    ATM skimming is one of the most persistent threats to banks. Video surveillance equipped with behavioral analytics can identify suspicious patterns, such as individuals loitering near ATMs without conducting transactions or using multiple cards in quick succession.
  4. Integrated Surveillance
    ATM jackpotting—where criminals manipulate ATMs to dispense large amounts of cash—is a growing global issue. Combining video surveillance with physical sensors offers an effective defense. Cameras can detect unusual activity, like tampering, suspicious vehicles parked near ATMs, or vehicles with no license plates, and trigger real-time alerts.
  5. Loitering Detection
    Ensuring customer safety, especially at ATMs after hours, is a top priority for banks. Video surveillance with loitering detection analytics can identify individuals lingering near ATMs for extended periods, enabling timely intervention.
  6. Video Storage with Hybrid Solutions
    Storing surveillance footage for extended periods can be expensive. Hybrid storage solutions, which combine on-premises and cloud-based video storage, offer a practical alternative. Banks can securely store critical footage without the need for large-scale on-site infrastructure.
  7. Camera-to-Cloud Solutions for Remote Monitoring
    In some areas, installing on-site recorders can be impractical due to space or connectivity issues. Camera-to-cloud solutions address this by streaming video directly to the cloud. This eliminates the need for on-site hardware while maintaining full surveillance capabilities.
  8. Disaster Preparedness for Video Data
    Natural disasters pose a significant challenge to video surveillance systems. To mitigate this risk, banks should ensure that critical footage is preserved, even when on-site systems are compromised. Centralized evidence archiving allows banks to offload important video data to secure locations before a disaster strikes.

Transforming Fraud Prevention with Video Analytics

Video surveillance and analytics are revolutionizing fraud prevention, equipping banks with powerful tools to detect threats in real-time, enhance customer safety, and streamline security operations. From preventing ATM skimming and jackpotting to addressing loitering and improving evidence management, integrating video technology with existing systems strengthens banks’ ability to combat financial crime.

Source:
Corral, J. (February 5, 2025). 8 Ways to Boost Fraud Detection with Video Surveillance and Analytics. Security Management Magazine.



Workplace Violence Poses Significant Risks to the Well-Being of Workers

Workplace Violence Poses Significant Risks to the Well-Being of Workers

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Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services

Workplace violence poses serious risks to both employee well-being and business health, leading to decreased employee engagement and significant losses in productivity, profit, and retention. As workplace tensions rise, employees are feeling the strain. With political polarization at an all-time high, fostering respectful dialogue and creating inclusive work environments will be essential for maintaining business continuity in the coming year.

Leaders must confront workplace incivility head-on and actively promote a culture of respect and inclusion to safeguard both their employees’ well-being and their organization’s long-term success.

 

Source:
Popera, A. (2024, Dec 18). The Cost of Incivility: Addressing Workplace Challenges into 2025. SHRM.org.

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The Critical Need for Secure Communications in Modern Law Enforcement

The Critical Need for Secure Communications in Modern Law Enforcement

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Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services

As cyber threats continue to evolve and multi-agency operations become more common, the need for secure communications in law enforcement has never been more critical. Recent events, such as coordinated responses to threats against public figures, have underscored the challenges of maintaining secure, effective communication across multiple agencies while safeguarding sensitive information.

Law enforcement agencies face unique challenges when it comes to securing their communications. 

Unlike private sector organizations, they cannot afford to go offline during a security breach. They must ensure continuous operations while managing sensitive data about ongoing investigations, coordinating responses to emergencies, and sharing critical intelligence across jurisdictions. The stakes are especially high when multiple agencies must collaborate quickly, as demonstrated in recent high-profile security operations.

To stay ahead of these challenges, law enforcement agencies must implement robust, secure communication platforms that meet their operational needs while protecting sensitive information and preserving public trust.

Source:
Halstead, J. (2025, Jan 03). The Critical Need for Secure Communications in Modern Law Enforcement. https://avice.org/

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Artificial Intelligence: Challenges and Strengths Come Down to Human Error

Artificial Intelligence: Challenges and Strengths Come Down to Human Error

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Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services

Automated threat detection and prevention, advanced intelligence, and AI-driven supply chain attacks—AI today has evolved significantly beyond the days of basic pattern matching.

While human error and uncertainty may initially amplify AI risks, it is ultimately the oversight of AI—the collaboration between humans and algorithms—that will enable us to safely innovate and explore this technology. AI itself is designed to be a positive force, unlocking value and improving efficiency.

However, AI cannot be left unchecked. The best way for organizations to mitigate AI risks is through increased education and employee training. People must know what to look for, and more broadly, you can never overemphasize the importance of cyber awareness training. Even beyond AI, there are countless ways to compromise an individual system or its information, and the digital landscape is constantly evolving.

The more we can educate employees and strengthen security measures across the board, the better prepared organizations will be to remain compliant, resilient, and scalable in this new era.

Source:
(2025, Jan 17). 3 Ways AI Will Transform Security in 2025. Security Education & Training.

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Loss Prevention Strategies to Fight Shrink in the Retail Space

Loss Prevention Strategies to Fight Shrink in the Retail Space

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Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services

When grocers address loss prevention strategies to combat shrinkage, it is typically framed within the context of preventing theft.

Major Sources of Shrinkage

  • Employee Theft: Surprisingly, one of the biggest contributors to shrinkage is employee theft. This can range from stealing products directly to manipulating cash registers or other financial records.
  • Shoplifting: Another significant source of shrinkage is shoplifting. Despite advances in surveillance and security, shoplifters often find creative ways to steal products.
  • Administrative Errors: Mistakes in recording inventory, pricing errors, and other administrative mishaps can also contribute to shrinkage. While these errors might seem minor individually, they can add up over time.
  • Vendor Fraud: Sometimes, the problem lies with suppliers. Vendor fraud includes issues like short shipments, where the vendor delivers less than what was ordered but charges for the full amount.

Implementing a Comprehensive Loss Prevention Program

While individual strategies can make a difference, a comprehensive loss prevention program that combines multiple approaches is often the most effective. Here’s how retailers can implement such a program:

  1. Conduct a Risk Assessment:
    Start by assessing the specific risks and vulnerabilities in your retail operation. Identify areas where shrinkage is most likely to occur and prioritize them for intervention.
  2. Train Employees:
    Employee education is crucial in preventing shrinkage. Train your staff on loss prevention techniques, including how to spot suspicious behavior, handle inventory accurately, and report discrepancies promptly. Encourage a culture of honesty and accountability among employees.
  3. Implement Security Measures:
    Invest in security measures such as surveillance cameras, electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems, and security tags. These tools can act as deterrents to potential thieves and provide valuable evidence in case of theft.
  4. Monitor and Analyze Data:
    Regularly monitor and analyze inventory data to identify patterns or anomalies that may indicate shrinkage. Use data analytics tools to gain insights into your inventory management and pinpoint areas for improvement.
  5. Collaborate with Vendors:
    Work closely with your vendors to ensure transparency and accuracy in deliveries. Establish clear communication channels and conduct regular audits to verify the accuracy of shipments. Building strong relationships with vendors can help prevent fraud and discrepancies.

Source:
Smirles, J. (2023, July 13). How Supermarkets Can Reduce Fresh Food Shrink. Loss Prevention Magazine.

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Organized Retail Crime: Strategies for Mitigating Loss

Organized Retail Crime: Strategies for Mitigating Loss

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Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services

To effectively combat organized retail crime, retailers must establish strong partnerships with industry associations, law enforcement agencies, and other relevant stakeholders. Such collaboration enables the exchange of intelligence, best practices, and emerging trends, allowing for a proactive response to the evolving nature of organized crime.

Partnership with Law Enforcement:
Close collaboration with law enforcement is critical. Retailers should establish direct communication channels with local police departments and develop protocols for promptly reporting organized crime incidents.

Training Store Associates:
Education and awareness are key to preventing organized crime. Retail employees must receive comprehensive training on identifying organized crime indicators, understanding theft patterns, and implementing effective prevention techniques.

Source:
Brittain, J. (2025, January 14). Retail’s Dangerous Triangle: Trafficking, Trucking, & Organized Theft. Loss Prevention Magazine.

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