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Loss Prevention in an Uncertain Economic Outlook

Loss Prevention in an Uncertain Economic Outlook

By Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services

The U.S. economy entered 2025 with momentum, but uncertainty looms as debates over immigration, tariffs, deregulation, and taxes continue to shape the economic outlook. This mix of policy discussions creates a complex and unclear narrative for the future.

Effective retail loss prevention requires a blend of security technologies—such as access control systems, alarm networks, and cybersecurity tools—alongside robust organizational policies and ongoing staff training. However, for these strategies to succeed, leadership must gain full buy-in from employees and continuously refine their approach.

While deregulation and tax cuts could offer a boost, immigration restrictions and tariffs present risks that could negatively impact the economy. Though recent economic data remains strong, the potential for downside risks remains a concern.

The ultimate goal of loss prevention should be to minimize losses before they occur. Achieving this requires a sustainable, proactive program built on three core principles: consistency, visibility, and innovation.

Source:
Wolfe, C. (March 4, 2025). NRF Chief Economist Says Data ‘Remains Strong’ But Public Policy Uncertainties ‘Blur the Economic Outlook’ for 2025. Loss Prevention Magazine.

Hashtags:
#ProtectionServices #SecurityStandards #PublicSafety #MobileSecurity #SecurityThreats

 

To-Increase-Security-Invest-in-Inclusion

To Increase Security, Invest in Inclusion

Frank Costa, President NEXGEN Protection Services —

A core principle of buy-in strategies is simple: when people feel personally invested in an activity, they are more likely to want to see it succeed. However, many organizations fail to make frontline employees feel that their involvement is vital to the success or failure of the company. One effective way to foster this sense of ownership is by creating an inclusive workplace.

“When people feel cared for in the workplace, that sense of care often extends to their attitudes toward coworkers, customers, and leadership.”

From a security standpoint, this means involving employees in shaping security policies, procedures, and changes. It’s essential to gather input directly from those on the frontlines to ensure that security measures align with the needs of both employees and customers. Addressing their concerns and questions helps strengthen overall security efforts.

Building connections, trust, and inclusivity can yield substantial benefits for security. “It doesn’t take much to lose trust, but if leaders can foster it and create an environment of psychological safety, that trust can spread throughout the organization.”

Source:
Meyer, C. (July 3, 2025). To Increase Security, Invest in Inclusion. Security Management Magazine.



Incident Report

Well-Written Incident Reports: An Essential Element of Effective Public-Private Partnerships

Frank Costa, President NEXGEN Protection Services —

Receiving well-written, complete, and timely incident reports from private security partners is a critical aspect of any case. While verbal witness statements can be helpful, they do not provide the level of detail that investigators need to understand the full scope of a case.

In recent years, there has been growing emphasis on the importance of effective partnerships between private security and public law enforcement. As the demands on law enforcement increase alongside recruiting challenges and shrinking budgets, private security will inevitably take on more responsibilities traditionally handled by public agencies.

With law enforcement struggling to meet the rising demand for their services and facing a shortage of new officers, the burden of safety and security falls increasingly on private security personnel. This shift means that private security must excel in all aspects of their role. One core requirement is proficiency in writing comprehensive and factual Case Incident Reports (CIRs).

Furthermore, the ability of private security officers to write clear and effective reports becomes especially crucial when facing legal challenges. In the eyes of the court, if an event isn’t documented, it essentially didn’t happen.

 

Source:
Conley, T. (January 20, 2025). Well-Written Incident Reports Are an Essential Element of Effective Public-Private Partnerships. Security Management Magazine.

Build a Security Mindset Up & Down the Organization

Build a Security Mindset Up & Down the Organization

Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services

For security to be truly effective, everyone at your organization must be both informed and invested in safeguarding against external threats. Infusing a security mindset throughout the organization requires consistent prioritization and active engagement at all levels.

Security is constantly evolving, and staying ahead of emerging threats demands continuous knowledge-sharing and collaboration. Exceptional security processes arise from working together, learning from peers, and uplifting one another. Without this approach, organizations risk stagnation and vulnerability to new digital threats.

Given that security needs constantly change in response to unpredictable events and evolving threats, vigilance is essential. By maintaining strong partnerships with departments across the organization and encouraging innovative thinking, security professionals can help ensure business resilience and productivity.

 

Source:
Armer, M. (2020, Jun 24). 4 Ways to Always Be Improving Security. enterprisersproject.com.

Hashtags: #protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsafety #mobilesecurity #securitythreats


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

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

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.

Hashtags: #protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsafety #mobilesecurity #securitythreats


The Critical Need for Secure Communications in Modern Law Enforcement

The Critical Need for Secure Communications in Modern Law Enforcement

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/

Hashtags: #protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsafety #mobilesecurity #securitythreats


Why Does the Public Feel Unsafe and Have No Privacy?

Why Does the Public Feel Unsafe and Have No Rights?

Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services

People want to feel safe without the discomfort of being constantly monitored, which presents a challenge for security leaders who must continue prioritizing safety while respecting privacy.

Privacy Concerns:

Modern individuals place a high value on privacy and often feel uneasy when security measures appear overly focused on surveillance, such as excessive camera monitoring or intrusive personal checks.

Subtle Security:

Security leaders must focus on methods that provide protection without being overtly noticeable. By doing so, they can create a more comfortable experience for individuals while still ensuring safety.

Creative Solutions:

This can involve the use of technology such as smart sensors that activate only when necessary, discreet security personnel, or designing spaces in a way that naturally promotes safety without feeling oppressive or invasive.

Source:
(2025, Jan 09). Navigating Surveillance: Balancing Security and Privacy. Security Magazine.

Hashtags: #protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsafety #mobilesecurity #securitythreats


How Security Is Shaping the Cannabis Industry

How Security Is Shaping the Cannabis Industry

Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services

A surveillance system can help protect your business from theft, particularly employee theft, which is a widespread issue in the cannabis industry. For large outdoor growing operations, having a monitoring system in place provides peace of mind by securing your property from all angles at all times.

Source:
Baxter, K. (2025, January 13). How security is shaping the cannabis industry. Security InfoWatch.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsafety #mobilesecurity #securitythreats



Security Protection to Ensure the Safety and Well-Being of Students

Security Protection to Ensure the Safety and Well-Being of Students

Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services

To ensure the safety and well-being of students, security protection should encompass both physical measures—such as secured perimeters, surveillance systems, and controlled access points—and proactive approaches, including anti-bullying policies, mental health support, positive student-teacher relationships, and comprehensive emergency response plans. All of this should be implemented while fostering a safe and inclusive school environment.

Source:
Intelligent Security for Safer Schools. Security InfoWatch (January 2, 2025).

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsafety #mobilesecurity #securitythreats



The Rise of Physical Security De-escalation Tactics

The Rise of Physical Security De-escalation Tactics

Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services

In recent years, one of the most pressing issues at the center of national conversations has been the use of excessive and unnecessary police force. This topic will continue to be a focal point, and one major shift in the security industry will be the increased emphasis on de-escalation tactics and training for safety officers, with a focus on making this a first resort.

De-escalation training equips security personnel with the tools they need to resolve emergencies without the use of force. It empowers officers to slow down, assess situations more effectively, and communicate clearly with both the individual involved and their team. Just as importantly, it helps mitigate the risk of liability and reduce the potential for injuries to security personnel.

While having a physical security or human guarding team on-site is crucial and can prevent further escalation, hybrid security strategies that incorporate technology are becoming increasingly important. The remote work revolution is well underway, and many companies have adopted a hybrid office model, allowing employees to spend time both on- and off-site.

SOURCE: 

Weingot, D. Guard trends to watch in 2022. Security InforWatch, 02/14/2022.
#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats