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Situational Crime Prevention (SPC) is a Primary Prevention Measure

Situational Crime Prevention (SPC) is a Primary Prevention Measure

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

Situational crime prevention (SCP) is a primary prevention strategy that aims to reduce the likelihood and severity of crime by making it more difficult for criminals to commit acts or by reducing the rewards. SCP focuses on changing the situation rather than the characteristics of criminals. 

SCP is based on two theoretical premises: opportunity theory, which states that opportunity makes the thief, and rational choice theory, which states that offenders make choices. SCP techniques can fall into five main categories:

Increasing risk – This can be done by reducing the number of suitable targets, adding guardians, or increasing surveillance. 

Reducing rewards – This can be done by making it harder for criminals to climb buildings or structures, or by using anti-theft paint to identify stolen items.

Reducing provocations – This can be done by removing excuses that offenders may use to justify their actions.

Removing excuses – This can be done by sloping seats at bus shelters to prevent people from sleeping on them.

Increasing effort – This can be done by improving street lighting.

 

SOURCE: 

Burton, B., Situational Crime Prevention: An Introduction, LPRC Research Center, 07.24.2024.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

 

The-Power-of-a-Layered-Approach-to-Safety-in-our-Schools

The Power of a Layered Approach to Safety in Our Schools

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

As technology and safety practices become more intertwined, it is important to seek a balance between security and accessibility. Layered security has been identified as a recommended practice for securing schools. This approach provides multiple security controls from the outside property line to the building perimeter to the classroom, all to help protect students and staff.

Implementing a layered approach to school security is crucial for creating a safe and accessible learning environment. While schools may not have unlimited budgets, you can prioritize and gradually add electronic access control to vulnerable areas. By adopting a layered approach to school security, schools can enhance safety, efficiency and peace of mind for students, staff and parents.

 

SOURCE: 

Cook, K., The Power of a Layered Approach to Safety, Security Today, May / June 2024.

 

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

 

A-Practical-Checklist-An-On-Site-Emergency

A Practical Checklist An On-Site Emergency

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

Essential items to include in every emergency checklist are:

  • An evacuation plan with clearly marked exits and assembly points.
  • Emergency contact numbers, including local emergency services and poison control.
  • Location and proper use of fire extinguishers, automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and first-aid kits
  • Procedures for shutting down utilities, such as gas and electricity, in an emergency.
  • Food safety protocols in case of power outages or other events compromising food quality.
  • Communication plan for informing employees and guests of the situation.
  • Shelter-in-place procedures, if applicable.

Customizing the checklist is critical to ensure its effectiveness. Depending on your organization’s specific circumstances, you might need to add additional items.

 

SOURCE: 

Are you ready for an on-site emergency? A practical checklist, Security Today 2024.

 

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats



A-Combined-Security-Solution-That-Leverages-AI-Human-Intelligence-Is-The-Answer

A Combined Security Solution That Leverages AI & Human Intelligence Is The Answer

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

Internet-connected cameras and remote monitoring capabilities make streaming 24/7 video data to mobile devices easy. Businesses can now outsource this technology to third-party providers, meaning the onus is no longer on owners to build and manage their surveillance systems in-house. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) that enables computers and systems to derive meaningful information from digital images, videos, and other visual inputs — and take actions or make recommendations based on that information.

People have become wary of AI-only solutions, and a combined approach that maximizes the strengths of both AI and human intelligence will be the gold standard for businesses going forward.

SOURCE: 

 

2024 Trends in Video Surveillance, Security Today, 2024.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats



Mobile-Security-Guard-Patrols

Making Safety and Security Intrinsic In Our Schools

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

People often feel safer in a physical space that has been updated and secured. Safety planning requires us to look at all layers involved, including technology, equipment, processes, procedures, and training.

The most effective security programs can enable seamless additions of new security capabilities and resources to support expanding operations. This can include adding new security technologies, increasing the number of security personnel, or expanding security coverage to new locations or business units.

 

SOURCE: 

Boezwinkle, R., Russel, J., Making Safety and Security Intrinsic to School Design, Security Today, 05/22/2024.

 

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats



Security Risk Assessment: Considerations for Public Venues

Security Risk Assessment: Considerations for Public Venues

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

Negative fan behavior. Weather issues. Cyberattacks. Rogue drones. Security incidents at sporting events are impacting athletes, fans, and stadium staff, as well as making headlines in the media.

Other incidents, such as a crowd crush at a white-out game at Penn State and sustained injuries from a lightning strike at a UCF game, are also concerning. National news of active shooters, along with the constant threat of terrorism, accentuate the importance of preparedness.

Any public venue must consider event specific risk assessments to identify threats and vulnerabilities. Outcomes from this process will inform planning efforts, including the development of policies and procedures.

SOURCE: 

Allen, B., Hall, S., The Security Scorecard: Considerations for Sport Venue and Event Managers, Security Management, 06/01/2024.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats



Corpus-Christi-public-libraries-will-now-have-armed-security-guards

Corpus Christi public libraries will now have armed security guards.

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

Effective immediately, all Corpus Christi public libraries will now have armed security guards inside. Previously, only the La Retama location had armed security guards.

The school’s staff feel they don’t have to worry if some crazy person wants to come in with a gun or rifle. At least there is some security, we feel that having them armed would be a deterrent.

The reasoning isn’t linked to one specific incident but rather several incidents libraries have seen over the years.

 

SOURCE: 

Jaramillo, T., All Corpus Christi libraries to have armed security guards effective immediately, KRIS 6 NEWS, 03/27/2024.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats



City-Leaders-State-that-crime-is-down-due-to-increased-police-patrols

City Leaders State that crime is down due to increased security patrols

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

Local law enforcement offices state that increased security patrols have enabled officers to respond more quickly to crimes in the area.

Officers are able to quickly de-escalate potential escalations due to the increased security presence.  Local business owners also state they have seen a positive change in the area.

 

SOURCE: 

Angst, M., Crime is down in Moore Square due to additional patrols, Raleigh city leaders say, 11 NEWS ABC WTVD, 05/17/2024.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

 

Library-Workers-Call-On-City-Officials-to-Place-Security-Guards-in-System.

Library Workers Call On City Officials to Place Security Guards in System

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

In a dramatic plea for safety, San Francisco librarians are now demanding the city deploy security guards at all library branches, echoing the broader concerns of a community grappling with the city’s rampant drug crisis. 

Business owners and librarians alike report a surge in dangerous incidents, ranging from vandalism to aggressive behavior by individuals under the influence, complicating the narrative of an improving cityscape. This situation has put a spotlight on the urgent need for security measures in public libraries, challenging the efficacy of San Francisco’s current strategies in addressing drug-related issues and public safety. 

The librarians’ call to action underscores a critical juncture in the city’s fight against crime and substance abuse, marking a pivotal moment for local governance and community safety initiatives.

 

SOURCE: 

Angst, M., Scared to deal: Library Staff Security Concerns, San Francisco Chronicle, 04/09/2024.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats



Guard-Dogs-Employed-to-Provide-a-Physical-Deterrent-To-Shoplifting

Guard Dogs Employed to Provide a Physical Deterrent To Shoplifting

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

In order to off-set shoplifting that costs the retail industry over $100 billion every year, The Home Depot store has deployed guard dogs to protect their inventory.

Two security guards wearing bulletproof vests and MSA Security caps now patrol the store with a trusty German shepherd in tow.

While cameras and other technological anti-theft measures are effective, the more traditional forms of security such as guards and guard dogs will provide a more physical deterrent to thieves.

 

SOURCE: 

 

Crabree, E., Home Depot installs new ‘mobile’ anti-theft measure – but guard insists shoppers will not be physically hurt by scheme, The U.S. Sun, 04/22/2024.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats