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Do-Armed-Guards-Prevent-School-Shootings

Do Armed Guards Prevent School Shootings?

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Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

In 2022, there were 51 active shootings that caused injury or death — excluding suicides — in K-12 schools or on school buses. There are roughly 100,000 public schools in the United States, meaning that these incidents are quite rare. Still, widespread worry fuels an active national debate about how to curb these shootings. 

Have guns stopped mass shootings at schools?

There are only a handful of documented cases in which an armed security guard or stationed police officer has stopped a school shooting.

A 2013 study conducted by the FBI analyzed 160 active shooter incidents found that most attacks are carried out in “a matter of minutes,” making it difficult for armed guards to be in the right place at the right time. 

Even when law enforcement was present or able to respond within minutes, civilians often had to make life and death decisions, and, therefore, should be engaged in training and discussions on decisions they may face.

For mass shootings more broadly, there’s evidence that unarmed bystanders have stopped more attacks in these early minutes than armed people. 

 

SOURCE: 

Esposito, L., Yablon, A., Do Armed Guards Prevent School Shootings?, The Trace, 08/14/2023.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

 

Steps-to-Mitigate-Crime-Risks-at-Houses-of-Worship

Steps to Mitigate Crime Risks at Houses of Worship

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Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

Every place of worship is different in physical size and design. Some places of worship may be a single building with just a few attendees, open one day a week. Other places of worship may contain numerous buildings and entrances with hundreds of people attending every day. Some are in peaceful areas, while others are in hostile regions.

When considering how to secure a place of worship, it is very similar to the approaches used to secure any property and the concepts of crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) are applicable. The strategic placing of lights, cameras, fences, gates, landscaping, etc. can create an environment that is less appealing for criminal activity.

 

SOURCE: 

Ratliff, P., 4 Steps to Mitigate Crime Risks at Houses of Worship, Security Management, 03/20/2023.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

 

40-M-Contract-for-Armed-Unarmed-Security-at-County-Facilities

$40 M Contract for Armed / Unarmed Security at County Facilities

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Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

 

Multnomah County officials recently signed a 5-year, $40 million contract for armed and unarmed security at county facilities. The security details were deemed necessary due to the increased drug use and mental health outbursts have become more acute in public spaces, like the county’s libraries.

 

SOURCE: 

 

Peel, S., Multnomah County Signs $40 Million Contract for Armed and Unarmed Security at County Facilities, Including Public Libraries, Willamette Week, 05/16/2024.

#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

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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

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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



Retailers-Must-Adopt-Proactive-Security-Measures-to-Combat-Crime

Retailers Must Adopt Proactive Security Measures to Combat Crime

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Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

Beyond the financial implications of theft on retailers’ margins and profitability, the escalating levels of violence and the perception of threats of violence connected to theft are also a significant source of concern for retailers. 

Given the surge in violent incidents, an increasing number of retailers are prioritizing the safety of their staff by adopting a “hands-off” approach when dealing with shoplifters.

A secure perimeter is the first line of defense against external theft, including theft linked to Organized Retail Crime (ORC). ORC groups use tactics like theft and fraud to steal merchandise in large quantities. These groups can be difficult to identify and catch, making it challenging for retailers to prevent these crimes.

It is imperative that retailers adopt proactive security measures in order to combat the ever-evolving threat of retail crime. By integrating new technologies into current security strategies, retailers can not only address security challenges proactively but also fortify their ability to protect assets, fostering a secure environment for the collective safety of customers and employees. This strategic integration marks a significant step toward a more robust and secure future for the retail sector. 

 

SOURCE: 

“Elevating Retail Security: Integrating License Plate Recognition and Audio Detection into Your Safety Strategy”, Loss Prevention Magazine, 12/10/2023.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #secruitythreats

 

Security-for-Educational-Institutions-Necessitates-A-Multilayered-Multifactor-Approach

Security for Educational Institutions Necessitates A Multilayered – Multifactor Approach

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Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

Security in educational institutions goes beyond traditional measures, encompassing a multilayered, multifactor approach that combines technology, personnel training, and emergency preparedness.

According to the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS), an independent group dedicated to improving school safety, there are five layers of protection to consider: districtwide, property perimeter, parking lot perimeter, building perimeter, and classroom or interior perimeter.

Policies should be applied identically across all public buildings within the school district. Strong written policies can ensure that people know what to do in an emergency and can support security professionals in their efforts to drive compliance with essential safeguards and accountability. 

To be effective, policies centered on preparedness and prevention, as well as response and recovery, need to be woven into the fabric of the school community.

Layers-of-Protection

Layers-of-Protection

 

SOURCE: 

Grace, G., “Strengthening Schools: A Look at K-12 Security Layers and Emergency Preparedness”, Security Management, 03/01/2024.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #secruitythreats

 

Cannabis-Facilities-Targets-Incentivize-Bad-Actors

Cannabis Facilities Targets Incentivize Bad Actors

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Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

Cannabis remains illegal under U.S. law, federally regulated financial institutions remain reluctant to serve cannabis dispensaries, warehouses, or production facilities. 

As a result of this, grow houses and dispensaries need to operate on a cash basis, making cannabis facilities ripe targets for theft. The easily transportable nature of cannabis goods can further incentivize bad actors to take advantage.  

These unique risks have prompted many U.S. states to mandate that cannabis facilities install cameras or hire guards, among other measures. The risks have also encouraged many cannabis facilities to invest in creative solutions to ward off attacks.  

 

SOURCE: 

Bender, H., “Mastering Access Control Fundamentals for Cannabis Facility Security”, Security Management, 04/15/2024.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #secruitythreats

 

New-Normal-Armed-Security-Guards-In-Schools

New Normal: Armed Security Guards In Schools

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Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

The Kansas City School system already has armed security guards in the middle and high schools. The school is now looking for their community’s perspective on adding armed security guards to elementary schools.

It is important for students’ parents and staff to feel safe. The upside to the security detail is that they can often get to an incident much faster than law enforcement since they are on mobile patrols already. 

 

SOURCE: 

Abundis, M., “Kansas City Public Schools, families discuss adding armed security guards to elementary schools”, KSHB 41, 10/24/2023.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #secruitythreats

 

Security-A-Small-Price-to-Pay-to-Protect-our-Community

Security: A Small Price to Pay to Protect our Community

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Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

Cambridge City Council unanimously agreed to hire five full-time security guards with a mobile detail to improve community safety.

This is a small price to pay for taking care of our community, keeping it safe, and keeping it clean. 

Communities are seeing vandalism of storefronts, community parks, and in our neighborhoods. Securing a mobile security team helps deter lawlessness by simply being visible. Security details make a big impact in deterring vandalism and damage.  

There is a savings by hiring a security patrol, as the number of after hour incidents declines. This in turn results in fewer instances of having to send out law enforcement officers as well as the costs of cleaning up vandalism or damage. It also frees up law-officers to engage with our community and other aspects of keeping our streets safe. 

 

SOURCE: 

Strom, J., “Cambridge council votes to hire mobile security team”, Kitchener City News, 02/15/2024.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #secruitythreats